Expressionism In New York City Essay

In the 1940’s, a new art movement appeared in New York City called abstract expressionism which emphasizes on spontaneous and subconscious creation. Because of this, New York City was put at the center of the western art world and the first American movement to achieve international notoriety. Expressionism can be defined as freedom of self-expression as an artist aims to paint something of its interior perception. A painting by Jackson Pollock, No. 5, is one example of abstract expressionism that we will look at later. In the mid to late 1950’s, the pop art movement arose in Britain and the United States which challenged the traditions of fine art. You can find examples of pop art everywhere you look this day and age whether it be in the day to day advertising ads on bill boards or in magazines. Andy Warhol’s ‘Cambell’s Soup Cans’ painting can be

Orphaned as a child and expelled from numerous high schools, he moved to New York with his brother when he studied at the Art Students League. In 1936, Pollock attended an experimental workshop where he met David Alfaro Siqueiros whom introduced him to the use of liquid paint. He soon began painting with canvases laid on the floor for which he became known for his drip style of painting and became a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Jackson battled with alcoholism which lead to his death on August 11, 1956 in a car crash while driving under the influence. Pollock’s painting, No. 5, 1948 was painted on fiberboard and measured 8’ by 4’ using liquid paints which people relate it to a “dense birds nest”. The painting sold for $140 million in 2006. The painting was sold for $1,500 in 1949 during a solo show help by Pollock. Upon moving the painting to the purchaser, the painting had become damaged by the moving company and was repaired by Pollock stating that the owner would “never know”, the owner however did notice the