Is Abstract Expressionism Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that began in the 1940s and 1950s in New York City. It was associated with a group of artists who sought to create works of art that expressed emotions and ideas, rather than simply depicting reality. The movement was a reaction against the more traditional styles of painting and sculpture prevalent at the time.

Abstract Expressionism is often seen as the first truly modern art movement, as it was a radical break from the past. The works created by Abstract Expressionists were characterized by bold brushstrokes, strong colors, and dynamic compositions. These works often lacked recognizable subject matter, instead focusing on creating intense emotions through color and form.

The most important leaders of this movement were Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, Clyfford Still, and Barnett Newman. These artists were largely self-taught and developed their own unique styles.

Pollock developed his famous drip painting technique while de Kooning’s abstract figures became iconic symbols of the movement. Rothko’s paintings often featured large blocks of color while Motherwell employed abstract shapes in his works.

Abstract Expressionism had a huge impact on modern art and culture. It helped to set the stage for later movements such as Pop Art, Minimalism, Post-Modernism and Conceptualism. Its influence can be seen in many contemporary artworks which explore concepts such as emotionality and abstraction in order to convey meaning and feeling without necessarily relying on recognizable imagery or objects.

The debate over whether Abstract Expressionism can be considered modern art continues to this day. While some argue that its roots are firmly planted in traditional painting techniques and aesthetics, others believe it has broken away from conventional modes of expression to create something entirely new. In any case, Abstract Expressionist works remain some of the most influential pieces of modern art ever created and its influence can still be felt today in contemporary art scenes around the world.

Conclusion:

It is clear that Abstract Expressionism has had an immense impact on modern art since its inception in the 1940s. Its adherents sought to explore new ways of expressing emotions through color and form while also breaking away from traditional conceptions of painting and sculpture. Whether or not this makes it ‘modern’ is somewhat subjective; however it is undeniable that Abstract Expressionist works have had an enormous effect on contemporary art culture today.