ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM

Abstract Expressionism – was a painting movement beginning in the 1940’s which artists typically applied paint rapidly, and with force to their huge canvases in an effort to show feelings and emotions, sometimes applying paint with large brushes, sometimes dripping or even throwing it onto canvas.

Jackson Pollack, “Painting”(silver, white, blue and red) 1948

Willem de Kooning

Rather than follow the tame brush applied methods from the Old World, these young New York artists invented new ways to apply paint in a dramatic and experimental manner. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) became known as "Jack the Dripper" because of his drip-and-spatter technique that fell upon a canvas laid out horizontally on the floor. Willem de Kooning (1904-1907) swashbuckled with loaded brushes and garish colors that seemed to collide rather than settle down into co-existence.

Willem de Kooning