Abstract Expressionism

Processes and Materials of

Abstract Expressionist Painting

MoMA Abstract Expressionism

Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31, 1950. 1950

MoMA Abstract Expressionism

Question: Is this abstract or figurative art ?

Question

Why an artist paints abstractly instead of

representationally?

Because abstract painters explored new

ways of creating art. They made large,

abstract canvases and energetic and

gestural lines.

MoMA Abstract Expressionism

Take a close look at One: Number

31, by Jackson Pollock

•What words would

you use to describe

this painting?

•How would you

describe the lines in

the painting?

Jackson Pollock. One: Number 31. 1950

MoMA Abstract Expressionism

Pollock painted with nontraditional materials

Commercial paints

Housepainter’s brushes

Paint cans

He squeezed paint from a tube

A brush

He painted with the canvas on the floor. What kind of gestures or movements do you think Pollock made to make this painting?

Jackson Pollock incorporated unusual elements into this painting: Full Fathom Five

He embedded:

COINS

BUTTONS

CIGARETTES

Create your own abstract expressionist collage!

• The collage has to feature a person

Create your own abstract expressivits collage!

Create your own abstract expressionist collage!

• Cut out images of magazines and newspapers.

• Think about your character, then come up with a title.

• Present it to your classmates.

Some examples