Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism
Jackson Pollock decided that he wanted to change up his style of painting by dripping and pouring the paint on canvas, generating a new era of art that became known as abstract expressionism. At first his pieces stirred up negative reviews, but many began to view his work as inspirational. Several artists including Willem de Kooning and Barnett Newman also took part of the movement that set the tone for modern paintings.
After studying painting in Los Angeles, Pollock relocated to New York City and began shadowing Thomas Benton, a infamous artist of American Midwest pieces. Pollock began to express interest in other styles of art during World War II (The New Book of Knowledge) . These pieces focused on European styles, which exemplified shapes, figures, and prominent message. After a few years experimenting with this style, he moved on to what became called action painting. This form of painting is one where the artist expresses movement on the canvas by splashing, dripping, and pouring the paint across the piece. Acknowledging the beauty behind this style of art, several artists began to create action paintings and began a movement in the art world known as Abstract Expressionism.
At first, Abstract Expressionism repulsed many for it was too modern and different for the times. European styles were being used in America and this new form seemed shocking and confusing. As other artists such as Arshile Gorky, Mark Rothko, and Franz Kline to a liking to the style, people began to be mesmerized by the complexity of the works (The New Book of Knowledge) . Pollock and the other modern artists became to be known as the “New York school.” Their designs and imaginative minds seemed to be concentrated in the City of New York, which at the time, many things were. The art showed the mood of the artist during the time the piece was being created, not expressing a thought from a prop or poser. All of the paintings of this time period were done with the imagination.
When Pollock got into the movement, his work was translated to involve his issues at home. Being an alcoholic at the time, his art was an avenue for the balance of his anger and sincerity. It is said that his pieces took weeks to complete, for he had to “contemplate” his next action (Biography.com) . There is no question that Pollock took time, for his work was expressed on grand canvases without easels. He took to his pieces on the floor and it is said that there are levels of paint on the canvases. These levels are claimed to cover images or figures which he experimented with in his early years as a European stylist.
In Abstract Expressionism, the artist translates his mood and passion of art into his or her piece by painting on a large scale and using the entire canvas. It is said the art is made to be viewed in smaller spaces for the artist’s intentions of abstract work are to make an observer’s eyes move across the piece and to attempt to understand the mood being expressed (Paul) . Specifically in Pollock’s work, he rarely if ever used a paint brush to his canvas. He would throw random tangible objects in his painting, such as broken glass, pins, and buttons. This would give his painting texture and liveliness.
Pollock began an era of modernism that influenced the art world and spawned new ideas and influenced a new cultural movement. During his period of artistry, many people were so moved by his creations that they too were persuaded to follow the change of age. Today, long after his death, Pollock’s pieces are still influential in contemporary art.
Works Cited
Biography.com. Jackson Pollock. 2011. 10 October 2011 <http://www.biography.com/people/jackson-pollock-9443818>.
Manetas, Miltos. Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas. 2003. 5 October 2011 <http://www.jacksonpollock.org>.
Paul, Stella. "Abstract Expressionism." 2011. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 10 October 2011 <http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/abex/hd_abex.htm>.
The New Book of Knowledge. "Modern Art." Vol. 12 M. Danbury: Grolier Incorporated, 1998. 396b.
The New Book of Knowledge. "Pollock, Jackson (1912-1956)." Vol. 15 P. Danbury: Grolier Incorporated, 1998. 378.
