VCS 105

NAME: SERI NURYUSRA AINA MOHAMAD

YUSOFF
MATRIC NUMBER: (2022853342)
CLASS: CAAD111 B
LECTURER NAME: MADAM GLADYS
TITLE: ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM
INTRODUCTION
Abstract Expressionism is an artistic movement of the mid – 20th. Abstract Expressionism is a
term used for a new form of abstract expression developed by American painters such as
Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler in the 1940s
and 1950s. Expressionism encompasses diverse styles and techniques and emphasizes the
artist’s freedom to convey attitudes and emotions through non-traditional and usually non-
representational means. The most important and influential of the action painters, Jackson
Pollock rose to fame in the late 1940s, pioneering a radical technique of dripping and pouring
thinned paint onto raw canvas laid flat on the ground. 

JACKSON POLLOCK

Jackson Pollock has become an icon of art in America in the 20th century. Jackson Pollock
was born on January 28, 1912, in Cody, Wyoming. Jackson Pollock began his painting
studies in 1928 at the Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. In the late 1930s he moved
to New York City and continued to study painting under Thomas Hart Benton at the Art
Students League. By 1934 he was living permanently in New York, and the following year,
began working on the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. Most of these
Jackson Pollock canvases are either placed on the floor or placed on the wall instead of being
mounted on an easel. From there, Jackson Pollock adopted a style where he would allow
paint to drip from a paint can. Jackson Pollock's paintings are instantly recognizable, and his
austere life has been included in the timeless mythology of the modern artist. The 'drip and
splash' style, the All-over method of painting, is also one which is tied to Jackson Pollock.
Until now Jackson Pollock is known as a leader in the most important 20th century American
art movements.
ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM OF ARTWORK

Title: The Guardian of The Secret

Artist: Jackson Pollock
Years: 1943
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Movement: Abstract Expressionism

ART MOVEMENT
Abstract Expressionism developed in New York in the 1940s and 1950s. Abstract
Expressionism has become the most accepted term for a group of artists who held much in
common. They consider that this art as expressions of the self, born out of profound emotion

and universal themes. Abstract Expressionism is also called Natural Painting or Color Field
Painting. It is often characterised by gestural brush strokes or mark-marking and the
impression of spontaneity.
ANALYSIS OF FORMALISTIC

PRINCIPAL OF ART

 BALANCE
- The composition features an abstract man and woman who appear to be facing
a pictorial "canvas" displayed he rally between them.

 PATTERN
- there is a pattern of three vertical rectangular squares arranged by two
powerful totemic deities and a pointed-eared dog in a prone position directly
below the white rectangular "slab".
- The rooster is a symbol of fertility

 VARIETY
- In the center of the composition is a tablet, covered in hieroglyphic writing
reminiscent of ancient tombs.
- When the canvas is turned over, wooden figures in various poses appear.

ELEMENT OF ART

 LINE
- there are sinuous lines texturing and covering ephemeral animal and human
derived forms
ANALYSIS OF CONTENT

 SUBJECT
- The subject found in abstract expressionism is a search for timeless and
powerful subjects, turning to primitive myths and ancient art for inspiration.
Moreover, Accuracy of expression is paramount, best achieved through lack of
preparation.
- Pollock uses this technique to tell the story he wants to portray.

 STYLE
- have a "writing" movement in a loose calligraphy style
- Drips, strokes, are used very thickly and spread a lot of paint onto the surface
of the canvas, often on unprimed canvases.
- mediate the relationship of dreams, desires and purity of ego which abstract
expressionism painting expresses through action.
- Pollock also used new tools in his application, not only using the artist's brush
set, but also sticks, cups, and even a turkey baster to splash, squirt, and pour
his paint exactly as he saw fit.
CHARACTERISTIC OF ARTMOVEMENT

Abstract expressionism draws on some similar features. The characteristics of abstract

expressionism can distinguish this art form from other states, especially when it appears.
Among them is, Abstract Expressionism painting evokes the spirit of rugged individualism in
America. They also put a similar emphasis on the unplanned and spontaneous application of
paint in a kind of psychological improvisation related to Surrealist automatism, which aimed
to express the creative unconscious through the art produced. However, in general, Abstract
Expressionism can be grouped around two main tendencies: action painting and color field
painting. Action paintings, often featuring paint applied energetically - in sweeping, gestural
brushstrokes, or dripping and splattering without a brush at all - are both an improvisational
revelation of the artist's individual psyche and an exercise in balancing chaos and control. On
the other hand, the more cerebral discipline of color field painting is characterized by large
patches of color in reductive compositions. Enveloping, meditating, and approaching the
sublime, this vast canvas is authentic and intimate.
OTHERS
Another collection of Abstract Expressionism artwork from Jackson Pollock.

Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950

The She-Wolf, 1943

War, 1947
The Flame, 1934-1938

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, abstract expressionism can be categorized in various styles and forms. there
are also three general approaches that can be distinguished. first, Action painting
characterized by a loose, fast and dynamic handling of paint. Second, strong in sweeping
brush strokes. Finally, cutting and in techniques that are partly determined by chance such as
dripping or spilling paint directly onto the canvas. Furthermore, the main guide to
understanding a piece of Abstract Expressionism is to understand the concept of "deep"
which means not embellished, not fake and honest as the painter in this trend reveals his
deepest feelings through his paintings and finally achieves a transformation or if possible, a
little redeemer of dignity. Therefore, Abstract Expressionism is physically born from the

exploration of feelings and excitement. Although abstract works are too difficult to define,
various efforts have been made to give education and attention to the beauty of abstract
paintings. And today, abstract paintings have received the attention and attention of visual art
enthusiasts all over the world.
REFERENCES

 Sotheby's. (2020, January 29). Abstract expressionism. Sothebys.com. Retrieved

December 5, 2022, from https://www.sothebys.com/en/art-movements/abstract-
expressionism

 Castles, L. (2022, April 26). Robert Lyn Nelson. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from
https://robertlynnelson.com/what-are-the-characteristics-of-abstract-expressionism-
art-style/

 The she Wolf, 1943 by Jackson Pollock. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2022, from
https://www.jackson-pollock.org/the-she-wolf.jsp