ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST Meaning and
Definition
-
Abstract expressionism refers to a post-World War II art movement that emerged in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Often considered the first truly American movement to gain international recognition, abstract expressionism challenged conventional notions of representation and emphasized the expressive power of the artist's subjective experience.
An abstract expressionist artist typically employs non-representational forms and uses color, texture, and composition to convey emotions, themes, or states of mind. The movement encompasses a wide range of styles, techniques, and approaches, as artists sought to bring their inner worlds to the canvas in a spontaneous and instinctual manner.
The term "abstract expressionism" was coined by art critic Robert Coates in 1946, although the movement itself had already begun to develop in the 1940s. Abstract expressionists sought to break away from the constraints of traditional artistic conventions and explore new possibilities for self-expression. They aimed to capture the essence of their emotions and experiences through bold, gestural brushwork, random marks, and spontaneous drips of paint.
Prominent abstract expressionist artists include Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Franz Kline. These artists and others associated with the movement achieved recognition for their intuitive and highly individualistic approach to art-making, contributing to a new visual language that prioritized personal expression over figurative representation. The artwork produced by abstract expressionists continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant energy, emotional intensity, and openness to interpretation.
Etymology of ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST
The term "abstract expressionist" is composed of two parts: "abstract" and "expressionist".
The word "abstract" comes from the Latin word "abstractus", which means "drawn away". It was first used in English in the 14th century to describe something that is disassociated from specific instances or particular objects. In art, "abstract" refers to a style that does not attempt to represent the visual appearance of objects but instead focuses on conveying emotions, ideas, or concepts through the use of form, color, and composition.
The word "expressionist" is derived from the German term "expressionismus", which itself can be traced back to the word "ausdruck", meaning "expression". Expressionism emerged primarily in the early 20th century as an artistic movement in Germany, characterized by the depiction of subjective emotions and experiences rather than objective reality.
