Abstract expressionism is a term that is used to describe the art movement that emerged in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This movement is characterized by paintings that are abstract, non-representational, and expressive. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abstract expressionism, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Abstract expressionism is a style of painting that emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It is characterized by large canvases, gestural brushstrokes, and an emphasis on the physical act of painting. The term was first used by the art critic Robert Coates in a review of the work of Jackson Pollock in 1946.
Origin
Abstract expressionism emerged in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was a response to the social and political changes that were taking place at the time, including the aftermath of World War II and the rise of the Cold War. Many artists were looking for a new way to express themselves and to break away from the traditional forms of art.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, abstract expressionism is “a movement in experimental, nonrepresentational painting originating in the U.S. in the 1940s, with sources in earlier movements, and embracing many individual styles marked in common by freedom of technique, a preference for dramatically large canvases, and a desire to give spontaneous expression to the unconscious.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines abstract expressionism as “a style of painting characterized by the use of large canvases, free and spontaneous brushwork, and an emphasis on the physical act of painting, often resulting in a highly abstract or non-representational image.”
Associations
Abstract expressionism is associated with a number of artists, including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Franz Kline. It is also associated with the New York School of artists, who were based in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s.
Synonyms
Synonyms for abstract expressionism include action painting, gestural abstraction, and the New York School.
Antonyms
Antonyms for abstract expressionism include representational art, figurative art, and realism.
The same root words
The root words of abstract expressionism are “abstract” and “expressionism.” Abstract refers to art that is non-representational and does not depict recognizable objects or scenes. Expressionism refers to art that emphasizes the expression of emotion and feeling.
Example Sentences
- Jackson Pollock was one of the most famous artists associated with abstract expressionism.
- The New York School of artists was a group of painters who were at the forefront of the abstract expressionism movement.
- Abstract expressionism was a response to the social and political changes that were taking place in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s.
- The paintings of abstract expressionists are often characterized by their large size, gestural brushstrokes, and non-representational imagery.