Action Painting - The Concept and History
Action Painting is a form of Abstract Art from the United States that came into existence around the 1940s. Also referred to as 'Gestural Abstraction,' the style relies heavily on the unencumbered movement of a wide range of colors, on the base. There are various ways to achieve it - by dripping, by staining, by overlaying, or by splashing colors on the canvas to produce an effect of 'spontaneity.' art critic Harold Rosenberg coined the term 'Action Painting' to describe the newly developed style of the leading Abstract Expressionists Jackson Pollock (American - 1912-56) and Willem De Kooning (Dutch - 1904-97). The two went on to become the torchbearers of Action Painting.
Action Painting is a form of Abstract Art from the United States that came into existence around the 1940s. Also referred to as 'Gestural Abstraction,' the style relies heavily on the unencumbered movement of a wide range of colors, on the base. There are various ways to achieve it - by dripping, by staining, by overlaying, or by splashing colors on the canvas to produce an effect of 'spontaneity.' art critic Harold Rosenberg coined the term 'Action Painting' to describe the newly developed style of the leading Abstract Expressionists Jackson Pollock (American - 1912-56) and Willem De Kooning (Dutch - 1904-97). The two went on to become the torchbearers of Action Painting.
The Correlations
It is believed that the Action Painters drew their inspiration from an unconventional approach of the Surrealists of 1920s and 1930s, known as 'Automatism.' It involved the free expression of artistic brainwaves through the involuntary hand movements of the painter, over the canvas. The underlying philosophy of 'Automatism' was an attempt to establish a psychic connection with the viewer. On the similar lines, the proponents of action works meant to represent their innermost thoughts, in a way that awakened the subconscious patterns of the viewer's fancies. The tools for the execution of these works were quite experimental and revolutionary, ranging from kitchen knives to bicycles!
It is believed that the Action Painters drew their inspiration from an unconventional approach of the Surrealists of 1920s and 1930s, known as 'Automatism.' It involved the free expression of artistic brainwaves through the involuntary hand movements of the painter, over the canvas. The underlying philosophy of 'Automatism' was an attempt to establish a psychic connection with the viewer. On the similar lines, the proponents of action works meant to represent their innermost thoughts, in a way that awakened the subconscious patterns of the viewer's fancies. The tools for the execution of these works were quite experimental and revolutionary, ranging from kitchen knives to bicycles!
The Details
Pollock is said to have employed a highly unorthodox method of using his 'painting' tools on a canvas cloth mounted on the floor. He used his hands and wrists, sometimes even his whole body to apply the paint, rejecting all the conventions of using the traditional brush and easel. However, the function of brush was not totally done away with, by all the painters of this genre. Brushwork in Action Paintings, set in oil paint medium, was usually bold and vigorous. The artists did not wipe the excess paint on the bristles before applying the brush on the base surface, which gave the finished works, a smeared and raw look. This natural appeal became the most distinguishing trait of Action Painting.
Pollock is said to have employed a highly unorthodox method of using his 'painting' tools on a canvas cloth mounted on the floor. He used his hands and wrists, sometimes even his whole body to apply the paint, rejecting all the conventions of using the traditional brush and easel. However, the function of brush was not totally done away with, by all the painters of this genre. Brushwork in Action Paintings, set in oil paint medium, was usually bold and vigorous. The artists did not wipe the excess paint on the bristles before applying the brush on the base surface, which gave the finished works, a smeared and raw look. This natural appeal became the most distinguishing trait of Action Painting.
The Artists and the Artworks
During its two decade-long tenure, among the most significant names that associated with Action Painting, were Franz Kline (1910-62), Robert Motherwell (1915-91), Philip Guston (1913-80), Sam Francis (1923-94), and Helen Frankenthaler (born 1928). Jackson Pollock's 'Painting (Silver over Black, White, Yellow, and Red)' & 'The Deep,' Franz Kline's 'Merce C' & 'C & O,' and Sam Francis' 'In Lovely Blueness,' are some of the signature works of this dynamic style of painting.
During its two decade-long tenure, among the most significant names that associated with Action Painting, were Franz Kline (1910-62), Robert Motherwell (1915-91), Philip Guston (1913-80), Sam Francis (1923-94), and Helen Frankenthaler (born 1928). Jackson Pollock's 'Painting (Silver over Black, White, Yellow, and Red)' & 'The Deep,' Franz Kline's 'Merce C' & 'C & O,' and Sam Francis' 'In Lovely Blueness,' are some of the signature works of this dynamic style of painting.
Conclusion
Action Painting, through its instinctive creativity, flamboyance, and fantastical imageries, became a symbol of Modern Art that induces contemplation and association, rather than a mere two-dimensional brushwork on a piece of canvas. By early 1960s, the style ended.
Action Painting, through its instinctive creativity, flamboyance, and fantastical imageries, became a symbol of Modern Art that induces contemplation and association, rather than a mere two-dimensional brushwork on a piece of canvas. By early 1960s, the style ended.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. Please visit the website at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited.
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