Jackson Pollock/Abstract Expressionism

As far as the world of modern art goes, many different techniques and styles can be used. Real images, portraits, cubism, photography, and many others are available at the artists discretion. One style which shows us how art has evolved from its classical predecessors is abstract expressionism. The term, now “action painting”, was first used in reference to Kandinsky in 1919. There are two distinct fields of this style of painting: Color field art, dealing with simple unified blocks of color, and gestural art, making use of surrealist styles of automatic art. (Gibson, 15) One artist who has stood out in the crowd of action painters showed us that art can be just about anything one wants it to be. Jackson Pollock has created many different works of art, all using the technique of abstraction and expressionism. His works have a deliberate look of chaos and intrigue, giving audiences something more than just an ordinary art exhibition. (Gibson, 67)

Jackson Pollock was born on January 28th, 1912 in the small town of Cody, Wyoming. (Frank, 11) In 1928, after moving to Los Angeles with his family, he began studying art and painting at his high school. (Frank, 1

In 1956, after drinking heavily again and numerous accidents involving drunkenness, Pollock’s relationship with Krasner was dwindling. He began an affair with artist Ruth Kligman. Then, in that same year on August 11th, Pollock, Ruth Kligman, and Edith Metzger (Kligman’s friend) were in an accident while driving an Oldsmobile Pollock had receive from his friend. Only Kligman survived. This ended the career of a genius and a disturbed man. (Frank, 102)

Jackson Pollock was certainly a pioneer as far as the art world and critics are concerned. In 1949, Life magazine asked “Jackson Pollock: Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?” After 1960, he was considered the most important figure in American painting. (Frank, 105-107) As one of his admirer’s Willem de Kooning said, “He [Pollock] broke the ice.” (Frank, 105) Kooning was referring to the style and perspective that which Pollock used in his paintings. He began an amazing trail for many other painters to follow. Some say that Pollock showed everyone what art could become.

During 1947 and 1950, Pollock began developing the style for which he is famous for; placing a stick or a trowel into a can of enamel paint and dripping it onto a canvas from above. (Frank, 63) His excellent control of his hands and his wrists made it possible for him to manipulate seemingly endless curls and intriguing splatters. After discovering his style he designed a museum in which all of the walls were drip paintings. No patr

Some topics in this essay:
Jackson Pollock, United States”, Pollock/Abstract Expressionism, Hans Namuth, Pollock Frank, Paris Pollock’s, York City, Pollock Benton, Lee Krasner, Los Angeles, jackson pollock, 1950 pollock, created art, ruth kligman, lee krasner, pollock painted,