What Is the Difference Between Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism?

Art|Pop Art

Pop art and abstract expressionism are two styles of art that are sometimes confused for one another. However, there are distinct differences between the two.

Pop art is a form of visual art that uses popular culture and mass media as its source material. It is characterized by the use of bold colors, flat shapes, simple lines, and often graphic styles. There is also an element of irony or humor in much of pop art.

Abstract expressionism, on the other hand, is a style of painting that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, which focused on expressing emotions and ideas through color, shape and texture. It was a reaction to the traditional styles of painting that preceded it. This style of painting does not have a set subject matter or narrative structure; instead it relies on experimentation with color and form to create works of art that evoke feelings in viewers.

The main differences between pop art and abstract expressionism can be summarized as follows:

  • Pop art uses popular culture as its source material while abstract expressionism focuses on creating feelings through experimentation.
  • Pop art often has an element of irony or humor while abstract expressionism evokes emotion without narrative.
  • Pop art utilizes bold colors, flat shapes, simple lines and often graphic styles while abstract expressionism relies on experimentation with color and form.

In conclusion, Pop Art is rooted in popular culture while Abstract Expressionism draws upon emotion to create works of art. The two are vastly different in their approach to creating artwork but both have been influential throughout the history of modern art.