# About Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock (January 28, 1912 – August 11, 1956) was a groundbreaking American painter and a pivotal figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, renowned for his radical "drip" technique. His work, characterized by energetic, free-associative gestures, not only garnered significant acclaim during his lifetime but also laid the groundwork for numerous subsequent art movements in the United States. Pollock is recognized as one of the first American painters to achieve international prestige, earning him a place among 20th-century European masters.

## Early Life and Influences

Born Paul Jackson Pollock in Cody, Wyoming, he was the youngest of five sons in a family with roots in Iowa. The Pollock family moved frequently during Jackson's childhood, eventually settling in Los Angeles in 1928. It was there that Pollock's artistic journey began, influenced by his studies under Frederick John de St. Vrain Schwankovsky, who introduced him to modern art and spiritual concepts.

In 1930, Pollock moved to New York City to study at the Art Students League under Thomas Hart Benton, where he dropped his first name. This period marked the development of his artistic skills and understanding of composition, but it was also a time of personal struggle, including poverty and battles with alcoholism.

Pollock's employment with the WPA Federal Art Project during the Great Depression provided him with financial stability and the opportunity to refine his craft. His early work featured regionalist themes influenced by Benton and other contemporary artists, but it gradually began to evolve into a more abstract style.

## Artistic Breakthrough

Pollock's significant transformation as an artist came in the 1940s. After a series of personal crises, including psychiatric treatment for alcoholism, he delved into the exploration of the unconscious, heavily influenced by Jungian psychology and Surrealism. This introspective journey led to semiabstract works that incorporated motifs from European modernists like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

In 1943, Pollock gained recognition when Peggy Guggenheim offered him a contract, leading to his first solo exhibition. His landmark piece, “Mural” (c. 1943-44), exemplified his newfound personal style, combining Benton’s compositional methods with Surrealist influences.

During this period, Pollock developed his distinctive drip technique. Beginning in 1947, he poured and dripped paint onto large canvases, creating dynamic, all-encompassing compositions. Notable works from this phase include “Full Fathom Five” (1947) and “Autumn Rhythm” (1950). This method transformed the act of painting into a physical, performative experience, emphasizing gesture and movement.

## Personal Life and Challenges

In 1945, Pollock married fellow artist Lee Krasner, whose support played a crucial role in stabilizing his tumultuous life. However, their marriage faced challenges, including Pollock's struggles with alcohol and extramarital affairs.

Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, Pollock continued to innovate, experimenting with black enamel on unsized canvas and later returning to color in works like “Blue Poles” (1952) and “Convergence” (1952). Despite his acclaim, Pollock often struggled financially and did not achieve significant sales during his lifetime, with most of his work being better appreciated abroad.

## Legacy

Pollock's life and art were marked by extremes; he was described as gentle and contemplative when sober but volatile when under the influence. His art reflected this complexity, rooted in a belief that true expression emerged from the unconscious.

While Pollock's critical reception was mixed during his lifetime— ranging from supportive praise to derisive nicknames like “Jack the Dripper”—his influence on future generations of artists cannot be overstated. He became a model for subsequent movements such as Pop art and Color Field painting, embodying the fusion of art and life.

Posthumously, Pollock has been recognized as a master of midcentury Modernism. His psychological depth and the significance of his drip technique have inspired countless interpretations, although some aspects of his life and work have been misunderstood or oversimplified.

Pollock's legacy endures as a testament to his innovative spirit and the emotional power of his art, making him an iconic figure in the history of American art.

For more artworks and reading https://www.moma.org/artists/4675

Title: Soundings in Fathoms

Name: Adam Collier Noel

City: Blue Ridge, Georgia

Country: United States

Website: https://www.adamcolliernoel.com/

Year: 2022

Size: 122 x 188 cm

Medium: Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

Price: $8650

Title: One day you will see it was all magic.

Year: 2022

Size: 150x100 cm

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Price: EUR 1300

Website: https://www.idahasselmann.com/

# Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Scandinavia's Premier Art Destination

With an impressive annual attendance of 600,000 to 700,000 visitors, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art stands as the most visited museum for modern and contemporary art in Scandinavia. Located in Humlebæk, Denmark, Louisiana is internationally acclaimed for its exceptional exhibitions, expanding collection, and vibrant cultural programs.

## A Harmonious Blend of Art and Nature

Since its opening in 1958, Louisiana has become renowned not just for its art but also for its stunning architecture and picturesque seaside setting. The museum seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, providing visitors with a serene environment that enhances the experience of viewing modern and contemporary art. This harmonious design has led many to regard Louisiana as one of the most beautiful museums in the world.

## Commitment to Accessibility and Diversity

Louisiana's mission is to present high-quality international art and culture to a broad audience. Director Poul Erik Tøjner emphasizes the museum's goal of achieving popularity without sacrificing depth. "An important part of Louisiana’s purpose is to create community between people across space and time," he states.

The museum fosters a culture of dialogue, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with the art on display. Tøjner believes that the physical encounter with art, coupled with thoughtful conversation, enriches society: “We become wiser. We expand our experience and our horizons.” This philosophy drives Louisiana to present a diverse range of exhibitions and collections, reflecting various perspectives from the 20th and 21st centuries.

## Embracing Sustainability

In November 2023, Louisiana unveiled an ambitious sustainability strategy aimed at guiding its operations through to 2050. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort involving museum staff, international colleagues from prestigious institutions like the Rijksmuseum and Tate, and the Danish consulting firm Nordic Sustainability.

The strategy includes actionable plans and measures already in place, emphasizing Louisiana's commitment to making sustainability a core aspect of its activities. Tøjner highlights the importance of partnership in this effort, noting that "our partners have a vital role to play in making sustainability a key aspect of all activities at the museum." To this end, Louisiana has developed a Code of Conduct that outlines environmental, social, and ethical standards.

## Conclusion

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is not just a hub for contemporary art; it is a vibrant cultural institution that seeks to connect people and ideas across generations. With its stunning location, diverse programming, and commitment to sustainability, Louisiana continues to attract art enthusiasts from around the globe, affirming its place as Scandinavia's premier destination for modern and contemporary art. Visitors leave with not just a deeper appreciation for art but also a broader understanding of the world around them.

Vist & more info https://louisiana.dk/en/

"Wave II", Oil on canvas, 60x60cm, 2023, Price: 1090,- EUR Website: https://www.gallerym.se/user/sabine+kay/

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Qigong

Qigong, also spelled as "chi kung" or "qi gong," is a holistic system of practices originating from China that involves the coordination of physical postures, breathing techniques, mental focus, and meditation with the goal of cultivating and balancing the body's vital energy, known as "qi" or "chi." The term "qigong" is composed of two Chinese words: "qi," which means vital energy or life force, and "gong," which means skill or cultivation. Therefore, qigong can be thought of as the cultivation of one's vital energy.

Key components of qigong include:

• Breathing: Qigong often emphasizes specific breathing techniques, such as deep, slow, and mindful breathing. These techniques are used to enhance the flow of qi in the body.

• Movement: Qigong includes a series of gentle, flowing movements and postures. These movements are designed to stretch and strengthen the body, improve balance, and promote the smooth circulation of qi.

• Meditation: Many qigong practices involve meditation and mental visualization. Practitioners focus their minds on specific areas of the body or visualize the movement of qi through the body's energy channels.

• Sound: Some forms of qigong involve vocalizations or sounds made during practice. These sounds are believed to help stimulate and balance the body's energy.

• Self-massage: Qigong may also incorporate self-massage techniques, such as tapping or gently massaging certain acupressure points, to stimulate qi flow.

Qigong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy and is often used for the purposes of promoting physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual development. It is practiced for various reasons, including stress reduction, relaxation, increased energy, improved flexibility, and better overall health.

There are many different styles and forms of qigong, ranging from those focused on health and relaxation to more martial and rigorous practices. Tai Chi, for example, is a well-known form of qigong that incorporates martial arts elements.

It's important to note that while qigong has been associated with various health benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment when needed. If you're interested in trying qigong, it's a good idea to learn from a qualified instructor who can guide you in the proper techniques and practices. Now also Qigong training via ZOOM. For more about times and bookings. https://www.bokadirekt.se/boka-tjanst/qigong-art-56183/qigong-viazoom-3159632

Scan the QR-code for more info or www.artbymac.se/qigong.html