Abstract Expressionism & Beginning to Review

Abstract Expressionism

Ideals that challenge the meaning of art.

First you need to know these terms:

• Abstract: Art that is not realistic, but can be based off of real objects

• Representational Abstract: Abstract art based directly from objects

• Nonrepresentational Abstract: Abstract art that does is not based on any objects.

What started this movement?

• The end of World War II encouraged a shift to American art

• Many people had fled from Europe, and brought with them their artistic ideals such as Fauvism, German Expressionism, and Surrealism.

• Abstract Expressionism became more about the action of painting, rather than the product.

Video Break!

Jackson Pollock Painting: https://youtu.be/EncR_T0faKM

Jackson Pollock's work was known as Action Painting. He laid the canvas on the floor and would drip onto the surface. Pollock would improvise as he worked, often stepping into the canvas. He did not use traditional tools, but would use things such as common household paint, stir sticks, paint scrapers, or knives.

Open Ended

Do you think of Pollock's work as art? Why or why not?

Let's start to review this unit!