Common Core State Standard: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W3.1-3.5 through 8.1-8.5; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.1-3.

3 through
8.1-8.3; CCSS ELA-Literacy.RI.3.7 and 4.7; CCS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8

Hans Hofmann: Abstract Expressionism and Mosaic Murals

Famed for his dynamic use of color and for his influ-
ence as a teacher and art theorist, Hans Hofmann
(1880-1966) was a leading figure in the Abstract
Expressionist movement. Hofmann is well-known for
developing the “push and pull” color theory, which is
the idea that color relationships bring depth, move-
ment, and tension to a canvas – a theory that is
still taught in art schools today. Hofmann was also
interested in developing large scale works for the
public to enjoy, including mosaic murals. Some of his Hans Hofmann (1880-1966)
mosaic murals, made from hundreds of small pieces Maquette for Mural at the New York School of Printing, 1957
of colored glass and tile, still exist in buildings and on Mosaic tile set in concrete, 7 ¾ x 28 5/8 x ¾ in.
walls in New York City. Photograph by Paul Mutino

DID YOU KNOW? t i v e

Abstract Expressionism is a style of
art that emerged in New York after
World War II. It departed stylisti-
cally from the clean, geometric
visual art of the 1920s and 30s.
Abstract Expressionists shared an
interest in emotion and created
works that celebrated the rough-
ness and energy of manmade
marks. In addition to Hans Hof-
mann, Jackson Pollock and Mark
Rothko are often identified as
Abstract Expressionist artists.
t C r e a
Ge Make your own paper mosaic in the style of the Abstract
Expressionists. Draw outlines of shapes on a piece of paper.
Then, cut small colored square paper “tiles” from scrap
paper or magazines. Working with one shape at a time, fill
each outline with glue from a glue stick and apply tiles to
fill in the shape, leaving a small space between each tile.
Repeat in each shape until your mosaic is complete. Experi-
ment with colors and shapes to create feelings of space and
movement in your work!
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966)
Mosaic Mural, 711 Third Avenue, New York, 1956 (detail)
Photograph by Paul Mutino
Works by Han Hofmann used with permission of the Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust