2.2 Automatism and the Subconscious in Artistic Creation
3 min read•july 18, 2024
in art lets the subconscious take the wheel, creating spontaneous and unfiltered works. It's all about tapping into the hidden corners of the mind, bypassing and societal norms to unleash raw creativity.
Abstract Expressionists ran with this idea, using automatism to break free from traditional art rules. They embraced , , and direct expression, resulting in powerful, emotionally charged works that spoke straight from the artist's inner self.
Automatism and the Subconscious in Artistic Creation
Automatism in artistic creation
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Georges Mathieu. 1951-1969 View original
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Surrealist automatism - Wikipedia View original
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Georges Mathieu. 1951-1969 View original
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Top images from around the web for Automatism in artistic creation
Georges Mathieu. 1951-1969 View original
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Surrealist automatism - Wikipedia View original
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Georges Mathieu. 1951-1969 View original
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- Creative process involving suppression of conscious control allowing subconscious mind to guide artistic expression
- Emphasizes , intuition, free flow of ideas without premeditation or rational intervention (, )
- Taps into subconscious mind believed to be source of authentic, unfiltered creativity
- Bypasses constraints of conscious thought and societal norms (self-censorship, )
- Allows artists to explore bringing forth hidden desires, fears, emotions in their work
- Leads to creation of highly personal, symbolic, emotionally charged artworks (, )
Techniques for achieving automatism
- and painting creating art without conscious planning or control
- Continuous, flowing lines or spontaneous brush strokes without lifting drawing tool from surface (, )
- Working rapidly without pausing to analyze or refine marks
- expressing ideas and images as they emerge without censorship or logical connections
- Stream-of-consciousness writing or speaking (Surrealist automatic writing)
- Responding instinctively to visual stimuli (Rorschach inkblot test)
- involving multiple artists contributing to single work without knowing full context
- Surrealist game "" embracing chance, unpredictability, collective subconscious
- Each artist adds to composition in sequence without seeing previous contributions (folded paper, covered sections)
Impact on Abstract Expressionism
- Significant role in development of Abstract Expressionism as artists sought to create works that were direct expressions of inner selves
- Emphasis on spontaneity and intuition allowed breaking free from traditional artistic conventions exploring new forms of expression (, )
- Encouraged embracing , chance, improvisation in creative process
- Led to development of techniques like action painting emphasizing physical act of painting itself ('s )
- Contributed to creation of highly gestural, expressive works channeling emotions and energy directly onto canvas
- Dynamic, powerful compositions ('s abstract figurative paintings, 's bold black-and-white abstractions)
Automatism in Surrealism vs Abstract Expressionism
- Both movements employed automatism to access subconscious creating art free from conscious control
- Differed in underlying philosophies and application of automatism
- Surrealists used automatism to explore irrational, dreamlike, marvelous
- Combined automatism with elements of representational imagery creating strange, unsettling juxtapositions ('s melting clocks, 's paradoxical scenes)
- Guided by specific themes or prompts (responding to particular phrase or object)
- Abstract Expressionists used automatism for pure abstraction and self-expression
- Eliminated recognizable imagery or symbolic content focusing on formal elements of art (color, line, texture)
- More open-ended, individualistic approach with each artist developing unique style of spontaneous creation ('s color field paintings, 's gestural abstractions)
Key Terms to Review (30)
Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock: Jackson Pollock was a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, known for his innovative drip painting technique that emphasized spontaneous and automatic application of paint. His work reflected deep psychological processes, engaging with concepts of automatism and the subconscious, which allowed him to break away from traditional artistic forms and explore pure expression.
Abstract forms: Abstract forms refer to shapes and structures that do not depict the visual reality of objects but instead express concepts, emotions, or ideas through non-representational means. These forms often prioritize color, line, and texture over recognizable imagery, enabling artists to tap into the subconscious and evoke feelings that transcend literal interpretations. The use of abstract forms can be seen as a way to communicate deeper meanings and experiences that are not easily conveyed through traditional representational art.
Accident: In the context of artistic creation, 'accident' refers to unexpected occurrences or unplanned results that arise during the creative process. These accidents can lead to spontaneous and authentic expressions of emotion, revealing aspects of the artist's subconscious. This concept plays a significant role in techniques like automatism, where artists embrace randomness and chance as part of their work, allowing for a deeper exploration of their inner selves.
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.
Artistic conventions: Artistic conventions are the established practices, techniques, and norms that artists use to communicate their ideas and emotions through visual art. These conventions guide how elements such as color, form, composition, and perspective are utilized in a piece of art. In the context of exploring subconscious influences on creation, these conventions can be both adhered to and subverted by artists seeking to express deeper, more instinctual feelings or thoughts.
Automatic Drawing: Automatic drawing is a technique used in art that emphasizes spontaneity and the unconscious mind, allowing artists to create without the constraints of conscious thought or intention. This practice is often associated with Surrealism, where it serves as a means to access deeper psychological states and explore the subconscious, influencing various artistic movements, including Abstract Expressionism.
Automatism: Automatism is a technique used by artists to create works that stem from their subconscious mind, often bypassing deliberate control and conscious thought. This approach encourages spontaneity, resulting in art that reflects the unfiltered emotions and thoughts of the artist, connecting deeply with the principles of Abstract Expressionism, where personal expression and emotional intensity are paramount.
Chance: Chance refers to the role of randomness and unpredictability in artistic creation, particularly in the context of Abstract Expressionism. This concept highlights how spontaneous actions and unforeseen outcomes can influence the creative process, allowing artists to tap into their subconscious and embrace the unexpected. By using chance, artists can break away from traditional methods, leading to unique and authentic expressions of their inner thoughts and feelings.
Collaborative Automatism: Collaborative automatism is a creative process where multiple artists come together to create spontaneous artwork without preconceived ideas, allowing the subconscious mind to guide their actions. This method emphasizes collective expression, as artists interact and influence each other’s work in real-time, resulting in a unique blend of individual styles and thoughts. It embodies the principles of automatism, tapping into the unconscious while fostering collaboration among artists to generate innovative and unexpected outcomes.
Dream-like imagery: Dream-like imagery refers to visual representations that evoke a surreal, ethereal, or fantastical quality, often resembling the illogical and fluid nature of dreams. This type of imagery is characterized by strange juxtapositions, unexpected elements, and an overall sense of unreality, allowing artists to tap into deeper emotions and subconscious thoughts. It plays a crucial role in expressing the internal landscape of the mind, often blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Drip paintings: Drip paintings are a distinctive form of abstract art characterized by the technique of dripping or pouring paint onto a canvas, resulting in spontaneous, free-flowing compositions. This method emphasizes the physical act of painting, allowing artists to express their subconscious thoughts and emotions through movement and gesture. Often associated with Abstract Expressionism, drip paintings reflect the dynamic interplay between control and randomness in artistic creation.
Exquisite Corpse: The Exquisite Corpse is a collaborative drawing and collage technique invented by Surrealists in the early 20th century, where multiple artists contribute to a single work without knowing the contributions of others. This method highlights the spontaneity and unpredictability of creativity, tapping into the subconscious and often resulting in bizarre or dreamlike imagery. The practice underscores the idea of automatism, as artists let go of control and allow their subconscious to guide their artistic decisions.
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.
Free Association: Free association is a psychological technique that encourages individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas spontaneously without censorship or filtering. This method is integral to exploring the unconscious mind and is used to access deeper emotions and memories, influencing the creative process in art by allowing artists to tap into their subconscious, leading to unique forms of expression and innovation.
Gestural Painting: Gestural painting is an expressive style of art characterized by dynamic, energetic brushstrokes and a focus on the physical act of painting. This technique emphasizes the artist's movements and emotions, often revealing the subconscious impulses behind the artwork. It connects to concepts like spontaneity and instinct, reflecting the artist’s immediate experience rather than a predetermined composition.
Improvisation: Improvisation refers to the spontaneous creation of art without premeditated planning, often relying on intuition and instinct. In the context of artistic movements, especially Abstract Expressionism, it emphasizes the importance of the artist's immediate emotional responses and encourages a free-flowing expression that connects deeply with the subconscious mind. This process plays a critical role in various themes, including the exploration of personal experiences, the unconscious mind, and the existential journey of the artist.
Inner Psyche: The inner psyche refers to the complex of mental processes, emotions, and thoughts that reside within an individual’s subconscious mind. This term connects to the exploration of deeper feelings and instincts that influence behavior and creativity, particularly through techniques that bypass rational thought to access raw emotional states. It plays a crucial role in artistic creation as artists seek to express their innermost thoughts and feelings through their work.
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.
Large-scale canvases: Large-scale canvases refer to oversized artworks, typically created by Abstract Expressionist artists, that dominate the viewer's field of vision and emphasize the physicality of paint and gesture. These expansive works often invite the viewer to experience the artwork in a more immersive way, highlighting themes of spontaneity, emotion, and the subconscious mind.
Mark Rothko: Mark Rothko was an American painter known for his large-scale color field paintings that evoke emotional and spiritual responses. His work is central to the Abstract Expressionist movement, particularly in its exploration of color, light, and the human experience.
Non-representational art: Non-representational art refers to artwork that does not depict objects or scenes from the physical world, instead focusing on colors, shapes, forms, and textures to convey emotions and ideas. This type of art emphasizes abstraction and expression over realistic representation, allowing viewers to engage with the work on a more personal and emotional level. The approach promotes the exploration of feelings and subconscious thoughts, making it integral to various artistic movements, including Abstract Expressionism.
René Magritte: René Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist known for his thought-provoking paintings that challenge observers' perceptions of reality. His work often incorporates ordinary objects placed in unusual contexts, which evokes curiosity and questions about the nature of existence. Through his art, he contributed significantly to the exploration of surrealism, influencing later movements like Abstract Expressionism and emphasizing themes such as automatism and the subconscious.
Robert Motherwell: Robert Motherwell was a prominent American painter and one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, known for his bold use of color and form. His work often reflected the influence of automatism, emphasizing the subconscious in artistic expression and showcasing the ideals of the New York School through his innovative techniques and materials.
Salvador Dalí: Salvador Dalí was a prominent Spanish surrealist painter known for his striking and bizarre imagery, often blending dream-like scenes with meticulous detail. His work embodies the exploration of the subconscious mind, which deeply influenced the Abstract Expressionists who followed, pushing them to challenge traditional forms and delve into personal and emotional experiences through abstraction.
Self-Censorship: Self-censorship is the act of restricting one's own expression or thoughts, often due to fear of judgment or social repercussions. In artistic creation, it can significantly impact the work by limiting the authenticity and rawness that comes from exploring one's subconscious mind. This internal control can lead to a sanitized version of art, suppressing genuine emotions and ideas that could otherwise be expressed through automatism and subconscious exploration.
Spontaneity: Spontaneity in Abstract Expressionism refers to the instinctual and unplanned approach artists take during the creative process, where the act of painting becomes an immediate expression of emotion and thought. This characteristic reflects a break from traditional techniques, embracing the raw and intuitive aspects of artistic creation.
Stream-of-consciousness writing: Stream-of-consciousness writing is a narrative technique that captures the continuous flow of a character's thoughts and feelings, often in a disjointed or nonlinear manner. This style reflects the inner workings of the mind, allowing readers to experience the character's emotions, perceptions, and subconscious influences as they occur in real-time. It connects closely with themes of automatism and the subconscious, emphasizing spontaneity and the unfiltered expression of thoughts in artistic creation.
Surrealism: Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, focused on unleashing the creative potential of the unconscious mind and merging dreamlike elements with reality. This movement significantly influenced various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and writing, by promoting irrationality and unexpected juxtapositions.
Surrealist André Masson: André Masson was a French painter and a significant figure in the Surrealist movement, known for his experimental approach to art that emphasized automatism and the exploration of the subconscious. His works often combined elements of dream imagery with a tactile, dynamic quality, reflecting a deep engagement with Freudian ideas about dreams and the unconscious mind. Masson's innovative techniques in creating spontaneous and non-representational forms played a key role in shaping the Surrealist aesthetic and philosophy.
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.