Abstract Expressionism prioritised spontaneous, gestural, and often non-representational forms of expression. Artists aimed to convey their emotions and inner experiences directly onto the canvas, rejecting conventional representation in favour of raw, intuitive expression.
One of the key techniques associated with Abstract Expressionism is "action painting," famously practiced by artists like Jackson Pollock. This involved the artist applying paint to the canvas in a vigorous, gestural manner, often using unconventional tools such as sticks, brushes, or even dripping and splattering the paint directly from cans or brushes.
Another significant branch of Abstract Expressionism is Color Field painting, which focused on large expanses of color and simplified forms to evoke emotional responses in viewers. Artists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman were central figures in this aspect of the movement, creating immersive, contemplative artworks.
Abstract Expressionism flourished in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s, earning it the nickname the "New York School." The movement was closely associated with artists who frequented the downtown art scene, particularly in the Greenwich Village and later in the neighbourhood of SoHo.
While Abstract Expressionism is often seen as quintessentially American, its influence extended far beyond the United States. Artists from around the world, including Europe and South America, were inspired by its emphasis on individual expression and the freedom of artistic experimentation.
Abstract Expressionism, initially criticized by critics and the public, became a significant 20th-century artistic movement, influencing Minimalism, Pop Art, and contemporary art practices, where its emphasis on personal expression and experimentation continues to resonate.
Abstract Expressionism prioritised spontaneous, gestural, and often non-representational forms of expression. Artists aimed to convey their emotions and inner experiences directly onto the canvas, rejecting conventional representation in favour of raw, intuitive expression.