2.3 European Modernism and Its Influence
3 min read•july 18, 2024
European Modernism shook up the art world with movements like Cubism, Fauvism, and . These styles broke from tradition, experimenting with form, color, and emotion. Artists like Picasso and Matisse pushed boundaries, paving the way for new artistic expressions.
Abstract Expressionism took these ideas and ran with them. American artists embraced the spirit of innovation, emphasizing and the act of painting itself. They created a unique style that reflected post-war America while acknowledging European influences.
Key Movements and Artists of European Modernism
Key movements of European Modernism
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- Cubism fragmented and reassembled objects from multiple perspectives to create abstract compositions (Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque)
- Fauvism used bold, expressive colors and loose brushwork to convey emotions and subjective experiences (Henri Matisse, André Derain)
- Expressionism distorted and exaggerated forms to express inner feelings and psychological states (Edvard Munch, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner)
- Surrealism explored the subconscious mind through dreamlike imagery and automatic drawing techniques (Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró)
- Bauhaus promoted the integration of art, craft, and design, emphasizing abstraction and functionality (Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee)
Impact of European Modernism on Abstract Expressionism
Innovations of European Modernists
- Rejected traditional representational art in favor of abstraction and non-objective art
- Experimented with form, color, and composition
- Cubist fragmentation and multiple perspectives challenged conventional notions of space and perspective
- Fauvist bold, expressive use of color prioritized emotional impact over realistic representation
- Surrealist exploration of the subconscious and automatic drawing techniques tapped into the artist's intuitive creative process
- Emphasized the artist's subjective experience and emotional expression
- Expressionist conveying inner feelings through distortion and exaggeration of forms and colors
- Adopted an interdisciplinary approach to art-making
- Bauhaus integration of art, craft, and design blurred boundaries between fine art and applied arts
European Modernism's international impact
- Established a avant-garde art scene in Europe that challenged traditional art institutions and conventions
- Increased cultural exchange between Europe and the United States
- European artists fleeing to the U.S. during World War II brought Modernist ideas and practices
- American artists studying and traveling in Europe absorbed Modernist influences
- Developed a global modernist discourse with shared ideas and influences across national boundaries
- Contributed to the emergence of New York as a new center of the art world in the post-war era
Abstract Expressionism vs European Modernism
- Embraced the spirit of experimentation and innovation pioneered by European Modernists
- Pushed the boundaries of abstraction even further, emphasizing the flatness of the picture plane
- Emphasized the act of painting itself
- "" techniques (dripping, splattering, gestural brushwork) highlighted the artist's physical engagement with the
- Large-scale canvases and all-over composition immersed the viewer in the artwork
- Diverged from European Modernism's intellectual and theoretical approach
- Prioritized spontaneity, intuition, and improvisation in the creative process
- Rejected preconceived ideas and planning in favor of the "immediacy" of the artistic gesture
- Developed a distinctly American style reflecting the post-war context and the "American experience"
- Asserted cultural independence from European influences while acknowledging their impact
Key Terms to Review (15)
9th Street Show: The 9th Street Show was an influential art exhibition held in New York City in 1951 that showcased the works of a group of Abstract Expressionist artists. This exhibition marked a pivotal moment in the rise of Abstract Expressionism, providing a platform for artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Franz Kline to present their work outside traditional gallery spaces, connecting the movement to European Modernism and sparking significant debates about the nature of art.
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.
Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric often used as a surface for painting, traditionally made from linen or cotton. It serves as a fundamental support for artists, providing a versatile and durable medium to explore various techniques and styles, especially prominent in movements like Abstract Expressionism.
Color field painting: Color field painting is a style of abstract painting that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by large areas of solid color and an emphasis on the emotional and spiritual resonance of color. This approach seeks to evoke feelings and ideas through the sheer presence of color on the canvas, often utilizing expansive fields that engage the viewer’s perception and experience.
Drip painting: Drip painting is a technique in which paint is dripped or poured onto a canvas, allowing for spontaneous movement and expression. This method is closely associated with Abstract Expressionism, as it emphasizes the physical act of painting and the artist's emotional experience, highlighting key characteristics such as individuality and abstraction.
Emotionalism: Emotionalism is an artistic philosophy that emphasizes the expression of emotional experience over the depiction of objective reality. In the context of European Modernism, this approach influenced many artists who sought to convey deep feelings and personal responses through their work, moving away from traditional techniques and representations. Emotionalism became a cornerstone of Abstract Expressionism, where artists utilized abstraction to tap into the subconscious and evoke powerful emotions in viewers.
Existentialism: Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. This idea resonates deeply with Abstract Expressionism, as both explore the human condition and the emotional experience, often reflecting themes of isolation and the quest for authenticity.
Gestural abstraction: Gestural abstraction is an art movement characterized by spontaneous, expressive brushwork and an emphasis on the physical act of painting, often reflecting the artist's emotional state. This approach prioritizes gesture and movement over representational accuracy, connecting deeply to personal experience and emotion, which shaped the development of various modern art movements.
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.
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.
New York School: The New York School refers to a group of artists and writers in New York City during the mid-20th century who were central to the development of Abstract Expressionism. This collective of creators shared ideas and influences that shaped the movement, emphasizing spontaneity, personal expression, and the exploration of new artistic techniques and philosophies.
Post-world war ii america: Post-World War II America refers to the period in the United States following the end of World War II in 1945, characterized by significant social, cultural, and economic transformations. This era saw the rise of Abstract Expressionism, which was influenced by European Modernism, and shaped by the political climate of the Cold War and America's role in global cultural diplomacy.
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.
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.
The Museum of Modern Art's 1951 Exhibition: The Museum of Modern Art's 1951 Exhibition was a landmark event showcasing Abstract Expressionism, marking its emergence as a significant art movement. This exhibition introduced American artists to a wider audience and highlighted the influence of European Modernism on their work, bridging the gap between these two art worlds. It solidified New York City as the center of the contemporary art scene, showcasing the shift from European artistic dominance to an American-led narrative in modern art.