Information On American Abstract Expressionism

By Tommie Newman


Art can be of varying forms. Painting can be one form and it too can have its own distinct categories. American abstract expressionism can be one of these categories. This form of painting can also be known as AbEx, action painting, or color field painting. They can be composed of large paintings with intense, messy, and complex lines. This is something misunderstood by many people and are argued as some as not even art. You should then know what this form of painting is all about to understand it better.

It has started immediately after the second World War. This began in America and became popular then in other countries. This is very potent in making the city of New York the art capital. This has roots coming from surrealism since they focus on spontaneity. Such style has created many applications of paint which is not conventional. They may use colliding colors, dripping paint, and hardened brushes.

The painting can really show high intensity strokes. Action painting is used to describe this as the painter's actions are revealed in the painting's strokes. A process is made out of this and the process should be appreciated to fully appreciate the painting.

It can express various forms of ideas. It can be spiritual or the subconscious. It can also emit a sense of rebellion, idiosyncrasy, and anarchy. Its inspiration draws from inner turmoil, distress, and anxiety. Artists make new, innovative, and experimental ways in expressing their feelings.

Messy as it seems, application of careful planning is actually done. The desired effect is obtained with careful planning by the artist. The artwork is also mixed with some chance, abstraction, and spontaneity.

Americans were the foremost AbEx painters. Noted action painters are Mark Tobey, Jackson Pollock, and Willem de Kooning. Noted color field painters are Kenneth Noland, Mark Rothko, and Jules Olitski.

It may be really nice to know regarding American Abstract Expressionism. Such kind of painting led to the contemporary art that is known today.




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