1.3 The Emergence of New York as an Art Center
2 min read•july 18, 2024
After , the art world's center shifted from Paris to . fleeing war found refuge in the US, where a dynamic art scene and economic stability fostered innovation.
Key institutions like and the championed . Critics like and promoted the movement, while artist-run spaces like nurtured community and creativity.
The Shift of the Art World's Center from Paris to New York
Shift of art world center
Top images from around the web for Shift of art world center
Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original
Is this image relevant?
2. Abstract Painting in the 1950s – A Quick and Dirty Guide to Art, Music, and Culture View original
Is this image relevant?
Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Shift of art world center
Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original
Is this image relevant?
2. Abstract Painting in the 1950s – A Quick and Dirty Guide to Art, Music, and Culture View original
Is this image relevant?
Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Abstract Expressionism – Introduction To Art View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Paris was the epicenter of the art world before World War II
- Birthplace of influential art movements (Cubism, Surrealism, Fauvism)
- Drew artists from around the globe seeking inspiration and recognition
- New York rose to prominence as the new art hub after World War II
- Numerous European artists sought refuge in the United States to escape the ravages of war
- New York's dynamic and experimental art scene provided fertile ground for
- Key factors propelling New York's ascent as an art center
- The United States' economic and political stability in the
- Expansion of the fueled by a growing collector base
- Amplified support for the arts from cultural institutions and wealthy patrons
Institutions and Individuals Shaping Abstract Expressionism in New York
Institutions fostering Abstract Expressionism
- (MoMA)
- Established in 1929 to champion modern and contemporary art
- Instrumental in elevating the profile of Abstract Expressionism through groundbreaking exhibitions
- Showcased the work of leading Abstract Expressionist artists to a wide audience
- Art Students League
- Prestigious art school in the heart of New York City
- Served as a training ground and creative hub for many Abstract Expressionist artists
- Encouraged artistic experimentation and fostered collaborations among students and teachers
Art critics' role in promotion
- Clement Greenberg
- Hailed Abstract Expressionism as a distinctly American art movement
- Stressed the significance of formal elements (color, line, shape) in evaluating art
- Championed the work of , , and
- Harold Rosenberg
- Introduced the concept of "" to describe Abstract Expressionist techniques
- Emphasized the artist's emotional engagement and the creative process itself
- Supported the work of , Willem de Kooning, and
Impact of artist-run spaces
- The Club
- Established in 1949 by a collective of Abstract Expressionist artists
- Functioned as a platform for exhibitions, lectures, and discussions
- Nurtured a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within the artist community
-
- Iconic gathering spot for Abstract Expressionist artists during the 1950s
- Facilitated the exchange of ideas and lively debates about art among its patrons
- Became emblematic of the bohemian spirit that characterized the Abstract Expressionist movement
Key Terms to Review (20)
Abstract Expressionism: Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation and a focus on expressing emotional experience rather than physical reality. This movement marked a shift in the art world, establishing New York City as a new center for contemporary art, which was previously dominated by Paris.
Action painting: Action painting is a style of abstract expressionism characterized by spontaneous, dynamic brushwork and an emphasis on the physical act of painting itself. This approach not only showcases the artist's gestures but also engages the viewer by conveying emotions and energy through movement and form.
American Art Market: The American art market refers to the buying and selling of artworks within the United States, encompassing galleries, auction houses, and private sales. This market has significantly evolved since the mid-20th century, with New York emerging as a central hub for contemporary art, particularly during the rise of Abstract Expressionism. The vibrancy of the American art market has influenced not just artists and collectors but also cultural institutions and trends in global art valuation.
Arshile Gorky: Arshile Gorky was an Armenian-American painter who played a vital role in the development of Abstract Expressionism in New York during the mid-20th century. His innovative approach combined elements of surrealism and abstract forms, which influenced a generation of artists and helped establish New York as a leading art center. Gorky’s work often reflected his personal experiences and struggles, creating an emotional depth that resonated within the broader movement.
Art Students League: The Art Students League is an influential art school located in New York City, founded in 1875, known for its commitment to teaching traditional and contemporary techniques to aspiring artists. It has played a significant role in shaping the American art scene, particularly during the rise of New York as a major art center and the development of Abstract Expressionism. The League has served as a nurturing ground for numerous prominent artists, allowing them to explore their creative potential in a supportive environment.
Artistic innovation: Artistic innovation refers to the introduction of new ideas, techniques, and styles in art that challenge existing norms and conventions. This concept is crucial for understanding how artists push boundaries and redefine the art world, often leading to significant cultural movements. In the context of a changing society, such innovation reflects shifts in thought, identity, and expression, especially during periods of great transformation in the art scene.
Cedar Tavern: The Cedar Tavern was a famous bar in New York City that became a central meeting place for artists and intellectuals during the mid-20th century, particularly those associated with Abstract Expressionism. This lively spot played a crucial role in fostering creative exchanges and camaraderie among artists, making it an essential part of the cultural landscape as New York emerged as a major art center.
Clement Greenberg: Clement Greenberg was a prominent American art critic known for his influential writings on modern art, particularly Abstract Expressionism. He advocated for the idea that the best art emphasizes the medium's properties, promoting a formalist approach that shaped the understanding of many artists and movements during the mid-20th century.
European Artists: European artists refer to creators of visual art who originated from or worked in Europe, significantly influencing the development of modern art movements, including Abstract Expressionism. Their styles and ideas laid the groundwork for American artists in the mid-20th century, particularly as many fled Europe during World War II, contributing to New York becoming a central hub for artistic innovation.
Franz Kline: Franz Kline was an influential American painter known for his large-scale black-and-white abstract compositions that are iconic to the Abstract Expressionist movement. His work exemplified the shift of the art world’s center from Europe to New York, showcasing bold, gestural brushwork that expressed spontaneity and emotional intensity, connecting deeply with ideas of automatism and action painting.
Hans Hofmann: Hans Hofmann was a German-American painter and one of the most influential figures in Abstract Expressionism, known for his innovative use of color and space. He played a crucial role in establishing New York as a major art center, as well as influencing generations of artists through his teaching and pioneering techniques that emphasized the importance of spontaneous creativity in painting.
Harold Rosenberg: Harold Rosenberg was an influential American art critic known for his writings on Abstract Expressionism, particularly his concept of the 'action painting.' He played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and appreciation of this art movement during the mid-20th century, emphasizing the artist's process and the psychological experience of creating art.
Jackson Pollock: Jackson Pollock was a pivotal American painter known for his role in the Abstract Expressionism movement, particularly through his innovative drip painting technique. His work reflects key characteristics of the movement, emphasizing spontaneity, the physical act of painting, and an emotional intensity that resonated with the post-World War II cultural landscape.
MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art, commonly known as MoMA, is a renowned art museum located in New York City that focuses on modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1929, it has played a pivotal role in establishing New York as a central hub for the art world, showcasing significant works and movements, including Abstract Expressionism. The museum's collection includes influential paintings, sculptures, design, and film that reflect the evolution of modern art, making it an essential institution for both artists and art lovers.
Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a renowned art museum located in New York City, established in 1929, that plays a pivotal role in the promotion and preservation of modern and contemporary art. It has been influential in shaping public perception of modern art, serving as a cultural hub that showcases significant movements, artists, and innovations, particularly during the rise of New York as a leading art center and the emergence of Abstract Expressionism.
New York: New York emerged as a prominent art center in the mid-20th century, largely due to its vibrant cultural scene and the influx of artists escaping the turmoil of World War II in Europe. This city became the hub for Abstract Expressionism, attracting a diverse group of avant-garde artists, critics, and intellectuals who were reshaping the landscape of modern art. As New York's galleries and museums began to showcase innovative works, the city established itself as the epicenter for artistic experimentation and new ideas.
Post-War Era: The post-war era refers to the period following World War II, marked by significant social, political, and economic changes across the globe. This time saw the rise of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, leading to a cultural shift that profoundly influenced art movements, particularly Abstract Expressionism, as artists sought to respond to the chaos and trauma of war through innovative forms of expression.
The club: In the context of the emergence of New York as an art center, 'the club' refers to informal gatherings or collectives of artists and intellectuals who exchanged ideas, fostered creativity, and collaborated on artistic projects. These clubs were crucial in shaping the artistic landscape of New York, providing a space for experimentation and the development of new art movements, including Abstract Expressionism.
Willem de Kooning: Willem de Kooning was a Dutch-American abstract expressionist painter known for his dynamic, gestural painting style and his significant contributions to the development of modern art in the mid-20th century. His work embodies the key principles of Abstract Expressionism, including spontaneity and the exploration of the subconscious, while also reflecting on themes of identity and the human condition.
World War II: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations divided into two main opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. This war drastically altered the political landscape and had profound impacts on art movements, particularly leading to the emergence of New York as a center for modern art, as artists fled Europe to escape the turmoil and sought new beginnings in America.