Abstract Expressionism
  • 1940's and 50's
  • The artist attempts to express emotions through purely formal means
    1. the physicality of PAINT is important
    2. splashes paint around
    3. uses vibrant colors
    4. serious about the "purity" of art and the artist's quest for self-expression
  • influenced by surrealism (particularily the idea of automatic drawing)
Here are some important Abstract Expressionist painters:
WILLEM deKOONING
JACKSON POLLACK
Helen Frankenthaler