Abstract Expressionism (1940-1950)

Abstract Expressionism is the term used for new forms of abstract art coming from American painters, such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning.

Franz Marc Blue Horse, Huizer Art Center Jose Perez — Franz Marc -Blue Horse ,Huizer Art Center Jose Perez

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/c4579644-5c6b-4c42-bf51-cce50861b5d1 by Robbert Veen

The Origins

One of the many paradoxes of Abstract Expressionism is that the origins of the movement trace back to the figurative painting of the 1930s. Almost all the artists who became abstract artists in New York were influenced by the experience of the Great Depression. Further, they became mature whilst painting in styles influenced by Social Realism and the Regionalist movements.

A grand abstract painting with curvy, scribble lines. — Mural (1943) – Jackson Pollock

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/fe0c7ecf-6ac6-41a3-be9d-30429caab5a1 by Phil Roeder

Features of Abstract Painting

Abstract Expressionism is famous for large-scale works distant from traditional processes. While Abstract Expressionism is studied for its advancements in painting, its ideas had a deep influence on many aspects of everyday life, including drawing and sculpture. Similarly, instead of having an interest solely in finished works, these artists focused on the process.

La Ville de Paris (1910-2) - Robert Delaunay: An abstract painting of naked women who appear pixilated. — La Ville de Paris (1910-2) – Robert Delaunay

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/df224ee9-915a-43c8-bee8-5ae34372177d by Cea.

The shapes employed create a sensation of volume, and movement. These elements are fused into expressive patterns to depict real or supernatural phenomena.

Piet Mondrian (1872–1944), Still Life with Gingerpot II, 1911–1912: Abstract painting with a blue pot in the center. — Still Life with Gingerpot II (1911–1912) – Piet Mondrian

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/f84e0710-fa78-482e-b629-39d688ab794c by Tulip Hysteria / Go to albums

Important Painters

Here are the names of the most important artists of this movement:

Paul Klee: A Swiss artist famous for his large body of works influenced by Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism
Piet Mondrian: A Dutch painter, leading figure in the De Stijl movement, which focused on simple forms and colors
Hans Arp: One of the main artists of Dada in Zurich
Malevich: A Russian artist that founded Suprematism
Robert Delaunay: Author of “Sun and the Moon” (1912), “Sun n. 2” (1912-1913), and “The City” (1910).