Jackson Pollock-Convergence, Essay Example

In order to answer the question proposed “why Jackson Pollock’s style of painting, as exemplified by Convergence, 1952, is considered an important, innovative development in the history of painting” it must be first defined what establishes a piece of ‘fine art’. Once this is defined then one can pose a strong argument for the piece of artwork Convergence as opposed to an arbitrary composition of paint. I will further discuss the influences that promoted this artist to create this fine piece of art and how this piece of art fits into the specific era and movement from which it derives.

Classification as a Piece of ‘Fine Art’

Art is defined as a vehicle to express emotions or ideas through representation. Fine art is produced for the purpose of beauty rather than utility. Art can be admired through sentimental beauty or true appreciation for the accuracy of details the art has to offer. “Tolstoy’s definition of art emphasizes the transference of human emotion as the essence of art.” (Enwonwu, 2000). Further Plato and Aristotle represent art is in the eyes of the beholder. The ‘fine’ in the fine arts refers to the purity of the discipline of the art rather than the quality of the work.

Influences     

Pollack contributed a new style of painting technique without the need of the brush to touch the canvas. His art work depicted spontaneity and control. Pollack’s work on Convergence was influenced by Surrealists and Picasso. This piece of fine art is representative of Abstract Expressionism.  Pollock was further interested in the theories of Carl Jung and incorporated his archetypes in his art from 1938-1944. “Pollack further attributed his style to the techniques of the Mexican muralists as well as an Indian sand painting display he saw at the Museum of Modern Art.” (“Jackson Pollock”).  The majority of his paintings were ‘drip paintings’ in which the brush never touched the canvas.

References

Enwonwu, B. (2000) The Evolution, History and Definition of Fine Art Retrieved September 24, 2009 from, http://www.ijele.com/vol1.2/enwonwu2.html

“Jackson Pollock” (2009) Jackson Pollock Retrieved September 24, 2009 from, http://www.artexpertswebsite.com/pages/artists/pollock.php