Art Knowledge News, Essay Example

Abstract Expressionism

Abstract impressionism is associated with the post-world war 11 movement. It primarily related to paintings on canvas of Orange and blue. It was the first significant art form from America to gain world acclaim.  “It was the result of the rivalry and dialogue between young American artists and the large community of European artists living in exile in New York.” (Huntfor.com, 2010).  There were a number of different abstract expression artists and these included that of:

Ashile Gorky : The painting agony is housed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  A Turkish Armenian living in New York his  style of abstraction featuring biomorphic forms that suggest plants or human viscera floating over a background of melting colours.[1] Gorky died under tragic circumstances by committing suicide and hanging himself.

Jackson Pollock: Is associated with what is known as the ‘all over’ style of abstract impressionist painting. Another New York based artist who was influenced by Thomas Hart Benton in the 1930’s. Best noted for his ‘drip and splash’ style on canvas it reflected the unconscious mood of the artist.

William, de Kooning: Born in Rotterdam where he studied fine art. He later became one of Americas leading abstract expressionist artists. In 1979 he was awarded the Andrew W.Mellon prize at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh. His work has been exhibited in both the Netherlands and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Pop Art

Pop Art had its origins in England in the 1950’s. Eventually being popularised in the USA in the 1960’s. Leading exponents are : “Richard Hamilton (British, 1922-), Andy Warhol (American, 1928?1930?-1987), Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997), Claes Oldenburg (American, 1929-), Jasper Johns (American, 1930-), and Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-)” (Artlex.com, 2010).

Andy Warhol: The media dubbed him the Prince of Pop. Perhaps one of the most flamboyant characters of the period. One of his most famous character portraits being that of Marilyn Monroe (actress). “A famous figure in the New York art scene. From 1962 on he started making silkscreen prints of famous personalities like Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor.” (Artelino.com, 2010).

Richard Hamilton – A British Pop Artist born in 1922 he was one of the early pioneers of the pop art movement in the 1950’s. Like many of his contemporise he was to find fame in the USA in the New York pop art scene in the 1960’s. To the right shows one of his abstract pictures of the British politician Hugh Gaitskell.

Jasper Johns: Born in South Carolina in the USA was highly influential in the pop art scene “In the late 1950’s, Jasper Johns emerged as force in the American art scene. His richly worked paintings of maps, flags, and targets led the artistic community away from Abstract Expressionism toward a new emphasis on the concrete” (pbs.org, 2008)

Robert Rauschenberg – One of America’s great pop artists died in Florida at the age of 82. “Rauschenberg’s oft-repeated quote that he wanted to work “in the gap between art and life” suggested a questioning of the distinction between art objects and everyday objects, reminiscent of the issues raised by the notorious “Fountain” of Dada pioneer Marcel Duchamp” (Art News, 2010)

Works Cited

Art News. (2010). Art Knowledge News. Retrieved 11 21, 2010, from Art News: http://www.artknowledgenews.com/Robert_Rauschenberg_Died_in_Florida_at_82.html

Artelino.com. (2010). Andy Warhol – 1928-1987. Retrieved 10 21, 2010, from Artelino.com: http://www.artelino.com/articles/andy_warhol.asp

Artlex.com. (2010). Pop Art. Retrieved 11 21, 2010, from Artlex.com: http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/p/popart.html

Huntfor.com. (2010). Abstract expressionism. Retrieved 11 21, 2010, from Huntfor.com: http://www.huntfor.com/arthistory/C20th/absexpress.htm

pbs.org. (2008, 5 28). American Masters – Jasper Johns. Retrieved 11 21, 2010, from pbs.org: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/jasper-johns/about-the-painter/54/

[1] Encyclopaedia Britannica