Abstract Art Paintings

Understanding of Abstract Expressionism

Abstract art is famous for its exceptional aspects. It is devoid of any naturalism and does not represent attributes of real world. It is a form of modern art where artists employed the use of shapes, lines and other geometrical forms to express their own view of the world. A person without knowledge of art cannot easily interpret what the paintings tries to symbolize. In this art form, it is not required to have a good sketch but the use of colors make the paintings exceptional. Famous abstract art paintings are from artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. Their paintings are still exhibited and are often auctioned at a price worth of millions.

Abstract art was incorporated in many other art forms like sculptures, paintings, murals etc. Various movements led to evolution of abstract art. One such movement was Abstract Expressionism. It emerged out after World War II in American painting around 1940s. Artists felt the dire need of expressing the view of destruction in their paintings. They realized that conventional themes did not match up to the modern society.

It originally got influenced by surrealism. It was an art form which obtained images relating to the sub-conscious mind. They have a dreamy-like structure which is mostly illogical. After the Second world war, the artists which remained in United states perished as they expressed the rash times. Europe was in an upheaval condition after the war and in a basic need of development both physically and emotionally.

Jackson Pollock enormously influenced modern art. His works revolutionized the potential of Contemporary art. Artists were inspired by his way of work which was far away from easel paintings and conventional ideas. He used to place raw canvas at a place where it could be attacked by artistic and industrial materials from all the sides. The paint was brushed, stained or thrown over the painting. It could be either imagery or non-imagery. This developed new possibilities and opportunities for artists for creation of artworks.

Action painting was another art style which came under abstract expressionism. It spread across widely from 1940s to 1960s. An American critic Rosenberg coined this term because he believed that canvas was a medium in which one has to act. The spontaneous activity is referred to as "action” done by the artist which involves the movement of arm or wrist and the use of brushstrokes. When the painter throws or splashes paint on the surface of the canvas, it is work for creation of the painting.

Sometimes painter lets the paint drip on the canvas according to the sub-conscious mind. This is believed to be a way for unconscious mind to express itself. Sometimes, paintings evoke a feeling of “business” i.e. they give an energetic zeal due to the extravagant use of colors.

Color Field method was used by other Expressionist artists. They used colors in a way that the viewer could be psychologically moved. They did not paint any recognizable images in their paintings and appeared to be austere by creating paintings to be unified, cohesive and monolithic. They included actual shapes with combinations of curved and straight edges in the paintings to create visual abstraction. Pallock introduced classical drip-paintings around 1947-1950 which indulged use of staining fluid oil paint and house paint on raw canvas. During 1951, he emerged out a series of black stain paintings.

Pallock’s paintings inspired many artists to work on similar grounds.

The World War II led to development of various schools which taught Abstract Expressionism. This art focuses on its value more than representation. They have to touch the emotions of viewer. Abstract art has been in demand for its individuality in modern times. Indian artists have also created astonishing designs of abstractions. When you go to buy Indian art, these classy paintings will become your first preference to decorate your homes or to add on to your art collection.