The Worth of Abstract Art, Research Paper Example

Understanding the Worth of Abstract Art from the Perception of the Artists From the New York Abstract Expressionist Period

Background

Art is the process by which one is able to express himself in a particular form of work that defines his thinking and his emotions towards a particular matter. In a way, art provides human individuals with the outlet they need to define who they are and what they want to say as a message to others who might appreciate their work. Artistic presentations have then been divided into eras depending on the genre that they belong to and the definition that they are able to represent. Nevertheless, all these categorical definitions only come into real form of meaning based on how the workers of the said forms of art actually instigate their worth. During the New York Abstract Expressionist Period, two names of artists came into knowledge. Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning were both known for the extensive ways by which they embraced abstract expressionism in their works.

Jackson Pollock is an American painter who was known for his unconventional approach to art which was developed as one of the patterns that defines his recognizable reputation in the field of the New York Abstract Expressionism Era. Among his well known works are Scent and Search, two of the last paintings he ever made with the use of household paid and materials (Karmel, 2009, 65). Another painter known during the time is Willem de Kooning who was a Dutch national. He made a name during the said era through creating works that defined life in an absurd form and made a realistic presentation of the truths about life after the Second World War through exploring both colours and line in the abstract approach. This painter’s most known works include Light and Black Friday both utilizing the hues of black in white in odd shapes as defined by the artist himself (Lieber, 2000, 32).

Relatively, their works were considered to have unique patterns that further defined their capacities in expressing themselves into art forms that are likely able to be noted as refined measures of their skills as artists and their expression as human individuals. In the presentation that follows, a definition of how both artists interpret their own work relating to the specific contributions that they have left in the society as part of their definition of art, its worth and its value as their personal sense of expression. Through the utilization of five primary questions directed to the artists, this presentation shall try to bring out the being of the artists hence effectively defining who they are and what their art specifically means to them.

Interview Brief

Question 1: What is the real meaning of art?

Jackson Pollock:

“Art is expression, therefore, as expression is free, presenting art should also be based on freedom, something that has no boundaries, no rules; just a measure by which one is able to share himself and his ideas to the world”.

Many critiques of Pollock specifically view him to be rather disoriented person noting the times when he was expelled from school. Relatively though, his personality has become the very element that helped him realize what he really wanted, an unstructured form of art. This is specifically the reason why he specifically indicates art as a form of expressing one’s own free will. Notably, the way he embraces freedom is specifically seen through his art works and even the mediums he uses to make sure that his artistic designs come out as unique and as expressive as he desires.

Willem de Kooning:

 “The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves” (Marika, 2003, 41).

Kooning views art as the primary representation of art itself. It could be realized that his extensive desire to define art as a form of art in his works have been shown as a particular characterization of his major creations.

Question 2: Why did you choose abstract expressionism as your medium of art?

Jackson Pollock:

Abstract art is a free form of art. From the point of its creation, to the point of its presentation, even the audience looking at it has their own freedom of interpretation. Basically, I think that abstract art is the perfect representation of the kind of artist that I am.

As mentioned, Pollock embraces freedom to its core definition of life. It could be realized that it is with the existence of freedom that Pollock is able to manifest his mind better. Abstract art is then identified by Pollock as a boundary-less art form that allows humans to specifically explore the different possibilities to create as they play with their minds, not actually being bounded by the laws of aesthetics, but simply guarded by their own desire to manifest their thoughts through the art that they are completing.

Willem de Kooning:

I view life in a different way. And I know that other people view it differently as well. Through abstract art, I am able to utilize the said differences to make sure that my art would mean as to how my audience would like them to mean to themselves. More than just an art work, I want my creations to be an expression not only of myself, but also of those who are looking at them and appreciating them.

Abstract art, more than an expression, is a representation of reality. The absurdity of each form of abstract art makes it more meaningful as the lines and colours used in each piece tends to play with the minds of those looking at the work. Notably, it is with this particular fact that Kooning himself becomes inspired to use even the most common materials found in the kitchen to use as his art supplies; after all, life is as simple as it is and should not be represented otherwise.

Question 3: How do you think your art works define your artistic capabilities?

Jackson Pollock:

Unbounded, without limits and perhaps defies the odds. I see my works as unconventional as they take the free form of work that serves best as the representation of my reputation as an artist.

Unconventional; this is how Pollock defines his own works. It could be analyzed that one obvious way of giving proof to this matter is how he makes use of the studio floors as his canvas. This approach to art is viewed by Jackson as one of his trademarks that specifically creates a name for him in the industry of numerous artists who are ready to share their talent to the world.

Willem de Kooning:

Meaningful beyond its absurdity; I know that I have created some absurd works that some people cannot understand. However, if they look closely through the patterns used, the lines and the colours embedded within each form of art, I do believe they would see the meaning of each form of creation.

Realistic behind the absurd elements of design; this is how Kooning defines his artworks. Living life and embracing everything that it has to offer brings Kooning into the realization that his works are based on life itself and how absurdity of its representation specifically creates a great impact on how the meaning of his works come to life.

Question 4: What relative connection does your art have with your personality?

Jackson Pollock:

I may not talk much about myself, but I think my art works define me more than I could ever do. So I guess with every stroke I use and every material I tend to explore, I intend to share a bit of me through my art and have my critics and my audience see who the real me is.

Being a free-willed artist, Pollock imposes that his art defines his character more than he could actually tell people by words. The elements found in his artworks, especially the roughness and the edges that are specifically felt through his presentations makes it easier for his audience to see the meaning of his works which specifically defines his personal being, not only as an artist but as a human individual.

Willem de Kooning:

I embrace reality in a different manner and perhaps that is what my art depicts about myself. I specifically take the course of redefining myself every time I create another art work. I basically give off my interpretation through each of these forms of art although I do have some sense of preservation which I think is also evident in some of my works.

With reality as the basis of his work, Kooning defines himself to be a realist behind the expressionist that he is. He makes an indicative condition of embracing reality as part of his being hence making all his works depict that particular belief which in many ways create a contrast between his art works apart from that of the others’.

Question 5: How do you think your art works would influence the definition of high-end expressionism among those who followed your steps?

Jackson Pollock:

Later on, I know that artists would find different mediums of defining their own art. I hope that my contribution on defining art as a form of free expression would affect their notion of how their works should be about them, about what they think and not about certain rules that have been set to create boundaries that control their creative ideas.

Digital age has already come into play. During the times when Pollock was noted for his excellent artistic creations, he was already ready to explore the unexplored in the field of art and expressionism. Relatively, it is expected that in line with the developments of the digital age, the style and the concentration of Pollock in the idealism of freedom-art could be fully integrated on how much digital artists at present express themselves utilizing all sorts of digital programs that could redefine their freedom of expression.

Willem de Kooning:

I believe that as time progresses, art forms would also develop. Nevertheless, I do believe that abstract art would still remain as absurd and meaningful as it is and I am honoured to be part of this artistic era and I hope that my contributions would help future artists appreciate abstract art better.

Artists have basically developed further. And this development is expressed in so many ways yet abstract art still remains as lively accepted as it has been during the times of Kooning. He then views his works to be able to create a definite line of reference as to how life could be represented in an artistic way that would specifically manifest the meaning behind the aesthetics and the impact of such message to the audience who are to see the said pieces of work.

Reflections and Reactions

For many years, art has been among the many elements that defined human life as a source of extensive expression. Humans have been able to create masterpieces that defined their valuable consideration of art as part of human culture. As for Pollock and Kooning, providing their own contributions to this piece of human culture provides a more extensive manner by which humans are able to utilize both freedom and realism as a form of expression that brings out not only their talents, but also shares their character and attitude to those who are able to appreciate the artworks they create.

References

Karmel, Pepe, (Ed) (2009). Jackson Pollock: Key Interviews, Articles and Reviews Museum of Modern Art, Pepe Karmel, and Kirk Varnedoe. Abrams,Harry N Inc.

Varnedoe, Kirk and Karmel, Pepe. (1998). Jackson Pollock: Essays, Chronology, and Bibliography. Exhibition catalog. New York: The Museum of Modern Art.

Marika, Herskovic. (2000). New York School Abstract Expressionists: Artists Choice by Artists. New York School Press.

Lieber, Edvard. (2000). Willem de Kooning: Reflections in the Studio. Harry N. Abrams, Inc.