WWII suppressed American art, but shortly after the war America indulged in Abstract Expressionism. One of the biggest reasons of a lack of appreciation for art during the war was propaganda. Propaganda was used in order to persuade people in favor of the war effort and against the Germans and Japanese during WWII. Abstract art allows the viewer to interpret meaning in his or her own way, which was a welcome change from art that pushed an agenda.
Abstract Expressionism started after WWII and lasted into the late 1950s. The idea behind the style was unconscious creation. The physical painting of these works of art was considered art itself, along with the end product. Jackson Pollock’s Convergence (shown above) was a staple of this movement.
Convergence was created in 1952 with oil paint on a 94 by 155 inch canvas. Pollock stood on the canvas and splattered paint freely in an attempt to create an unconscious expression. Pollock’s use of line, color and shape allow the viewer’s eyes to wander without direction. The contrasting schemes Pollock used in Convergence were a result of his attempt at painting without thinking.[1]
In the face of America’s second Red Scare, Convergence was a symbol of freedom. It was said, “Convergence embodied free speech and free expression.”[2] This style was the opposite of conformist and that is why it was appreciated as a stance against communism. One of the main aspects of this painting that opposed communism was that it could not be recreated. Conformity was a large aspect of communism and “Convergence” represented individuality more so than conformity.
Jackson Pollock’s style coincided with Americanism and represented anti-Russian ideals. The CIA even hired Pollock through the Congress of Cultural Freedom, which was an anti-communism group. This group sponsored a couple of Pollock’s works in order to support expressions of free speech. The Congress of Cultural Freedom is one way the CIA practiced cultural imperialism, which played a large role in the Cold War.[3]
Abstract Expressionism was inspired by Surrealism and helped shape the direction of future art. It was the first art movement that started in America and impacted the international art scene. During this period the art capital shifted to NYC from Paris thanks to the federal promotion of pieces like Convergence. Thanks to Abstract Expressionism, the US is now a hub in the art world.
[1] www.Jackson-pollock.org
[2] www.Jackson-pollock.org
[3] Will Savive. “Jackson Pollock’s Convergence is All that Is America.” 25 August, 2009. Savive’s Corner.
Abstract Expressionism: Carrying the Torch
By WILLIAM ZIMMER. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 07 Oct 1990: WC30.
Abstract Expressionism started after WWII and lasted into the late 1950s. The idea behind the style was unconscious creation. The physical painting of these works of art was considered art itself, along with the end product. Jackson Pollock’s Convergence (shown above) was a staple of this movement.
Convergence was created in 1952 with oil paint on a 94 by 155 inch canvas. Pollock stood on the canvas and splattered paint freely in an attempt to create an unconscious expression. Pollock’s use of line, color and shape allow the viewer’s eyes to wander without direction. The contrasting schemes Pollock used in Convergence were a result of his attempt at painting without thinking.[1]
In the face of America’s second Red Scare, Convergence was a symbol of freedom. It was said, “Convergence embodied free speech and free expression.”[2] This style was the opposite of conformist and that is why it was appreciated as a stance against communism. One of the main aspects of this painting that opposed communism was that it could not be recreated. Conformity was a large aspect of communism and “Convergence” represented individuality more so than conformity.
Jackson Pollock’s style coincided with Americanism and represented anti-Russian ideals. The CIA even hired Pollock through the Congress of Cultural Freedom, which was an anti-communism group. This group sponsored a couple of Pollock’s works in order to support expressions of free speech. The Congress of Cultural Freedom is one way the CIA practiced cultural imperialism, which played a large role in the Cold War.[3]
Abstract Expressionism was inspired by Surrealism and helped shape the direction of future art. It was the first art movement that started in America and impacted the international art scene. During this period the art capital shifted to NYC from Paris thanks to the federal promotion of pieces like Convergence. Thanks to Abstract Expressionism, the US is now a hub in the art world.
[1] www.Jackson-pollock.org
[2] www.Jackson-pollock.org
[3] Will Savive. “Jackson Pollock’s Convergence is All that Is America.” 25 August, 2009. Savive’s Corner.
Abstract Expressionism: Carrying the Torch
By WILLIAM ZIMMER. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 07 Oct 1990: WC30.
RSS Feed