Abstract Expressionism: Pollock and de Kooning
Abstract Expressionism: American Art After WWII
Jackson Pollock’s “Number 1” (1948)
Formal Elements
This large canvas emphasizes grays, defined by enamel, oil paint, and alumina. Pollock used a dripping technique, emphasizing the gesture of the painter and the brushstroke. The composition features various centers of interest depending on the concentration of colors.
Style and Artist
Pollock’s work belongs to Abstract Expressionism, also known as Action Painting. This movement arose in the aftermath of World War II, reflecting the violence of the era. Action Painting emphasizes the gesture of painting, with the artist entering a hypnotic state while creating the work.
Function and Historical Context
The function of this work was primarily for sale, driven by the support of galleries like the Guggenheim. Abstract Expressionism’s success was linked to the rise of the United States as a global power after WWII. The center of the art world shifted from war-torn Europe to New York. Critics like Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg championed the movement, and American galleries provided crucial support. This favorable political and economic context helped establish the United States’ influence in the art world.
Influences and Meaning
Pollock’s work was influenced by Goya, Munch, and Expressionism, as well as Surrealism and Automatism. The title “Number 1” reflects the artist’s intention to avoid imposing a specific meaning on the viewer, allowing for individual interpretation.
Willem de Kooning’s “Woman II” (1952)
Technical Elements
This oil on canvas features pastel colors mixed with black and white. De Kooning employed thick, loose brushstrokes, creating an expressive surface. The painting emphasizes the hands, hearts, and eyes, with the brushstroke itself conveying expressiveness.
Formal Elements
The composition combines figuration and abstraction. The viewer can identify a disfigured female bust. The dynamic, rapid brushstrokes create a sense of movement and energy.
Style and Artist
Like Pollock, de Kooning belongs to Abstract Expressionism/Action Painting. However, de Kooning’s work retains a greater awareness of the figure, differentiating it from Pollock’s complete abstraction.
Historical Context
Similar to Pollock, de Kooning’s success was tied to the post-WWII rise of the United States. The movement benefited from critical support and the backing of American galleries. The favorable political and economic context in the United States contributed to the movement’s influence.
Content and Meaning
“Woman II” is part of a series of six paintings exploring the female figure. The work has political connotations, reflecting the United States’ ambition to dominate the art world. De Kooning’s depiction of women has been interpreted as reflecting misogynistic feelings of hate and rage.