Art History II – Renaissance to Modern Era
Table of Contents
Post-Painterly Abstraction emerged as a reaction to Abstract Expressionism, favoring a controlled approach over emotional intensity. Artists focused on formal elements like color and shape, ditching visible brushstrokes and personal expression for precise geometric compositions.
This movement embraced new materials and techniques to achieve clean edges and uniform color. Artists explored optical effects and spatial relationships, emphasizing the viewer's perceptual experience and the two-dimensional nature of the canvas.
Shift to Restrained Abstraction
Reaction Against Abstract Expressionism
- Post-Painterly Abstraction emerged as a reaction against Abstract Expressionism favoring a cerebral and controlled artistic approach
- Movement prioritized formal elements (color, shape, line) over expressive brushwork and subjective content
- Artists eliminated visible brushstrokes and personal expression focusing on precise geometric compositions
- Shift influenced by Minimalism and exploration of fundamental properties of painting as a medium
New Techniques and Materials
- Embraced new materials and techniques to achieve clean edges and uniform color application
- Acrylic paints allowed for smoother application and brighter colors
- Masking tape enabled creation of sharp, precise edges
- Emphasized viewer's perceptual experience exploring optical effects and spatial relationships
- Created works that played with visual perception (Op Art)
- Explored how color and form interact in two-dimensional space
Emphasis on Flatness and Clarity
Achieving Flatness and Precision
- Flatness emphasized two-dimensional nature of canvas rejecting illusionistic depth
- Used large areas of solid color to create flat surfaces
- Avoided shading or modeling that might suggest three-dimensionality
- Clarity achieved through hard-edged shapes, geometric patterns, and precise color relationships
- Created compositions with strong sense of order and structure
- Used rulers and tape to achieve perfectly straight lines and crisp edges
- Eliminated personal touch by rejecting visible brushstrokes and gestural marks
- Favored smooth, even applications of paint appearing machine-like in precision
- Employed techniques like staining, pouring, or using rollers to apply paint
Theoretical Influences
- Objectivity and impersonality influenced by art critic Clement Greenberg's ideas
- Greenberg championed notion of "pure" painting focused on medium's inherent qualities
- Encouraged artists to eliminate all non-essential elements from their work
- Explored relationship between figure and ground using color and shape
- Created dynamic visual tensions without relying on representational elements
- Experimented with how different colors and shapes interact when placed side by side
Influence of Color Field and Hard-Edge
Color Field Painting Influence
- Pioneered by artists (Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman) emphasized large areas of flat color
- Influenced Post-Painterly Abstraction through focus on emotional impact of color relationships
- Explored how different color combinations could evoke specific moods or feelings
- Used color to create sense of depth or movement within flat compositions
Hard-Edge Painting Contributions
- Characterized by sharply defined areas of color emphasized precision and geometric forms
- Contributed to development of Post-Painterly Abstraction through focus on clean lines and shapes
- Influenced artists to create works with crisp, well-defined edges
- Encouraged use of tape and other tools to achieve perfect geometric shapes
Synthesis and Diversity
- Post-Painterly Abstraction artists often combined elements from both Color Field and Hard-Edge painting
- Created works balancing emotive color with rigorous composition
- Resulted in diverse range of approaches (Helen Frankenthaler's lyrical abstractions, Frank Stella's systematic explorations)
- Emphasis on optical effects traced to Color Field and Hard-Edge painters' exploration of color and shape interactions
- Led to development of Op Art movement focused on creating visual illusions
- Influenced artists to consider how their works would be perceived by viewers
Contributions of Kelly and Stella
Ellsworth Kelly's Innovations
- Pioneered hard-edge abstraction emphasizing simple geometric shapes and bold flat colors
- Influenced development of Minimalism and Op Art movements
- Created works like "Colors for a Large Wall" (1951) using randomly arranged colored squares
- Used shaped canvases exploring relationship between painting and sculpture
- Expanded boundaries of traditional painting with works like "Blue Curve" (1972)
- Influenced later generations of artists to experiment with non-rectangular supports
Frank Stella's Groundbreaking Approach
- Early black paintings featured systematic patterns rejecting illusionistic space
- "The Marriage of Reason and Squalor, II" (1959) exemplified this approach
- Seminal works in development of Post-Painterly Abstraction and Minimalism
- Famous dictum "What you see is what you see" encapsulated movement's emphasis on literal material qualities
- Rejected symbolic or emotional content in favor of pure visual experience
- Influenced conceptual art movement's focus on ideas over traditional aesthetics
Expanding the Canvas
- Both Kelly and Stella experimented with non-rectangular canvas shapes
- Challenged conventional notions of picture plane
- Kelly's "White Curve I" (1973) used shaped canvas to create sculptural effect
- Stella's "Harran II" (1967) incorporated protruding elements breaking out of rectangular frame
- Influenced subsequent generations of artists shaping contemporary approaches to abstract art
- Paved way for installation art and site-specific works
- Continued to inspire artists exploring boundaries between painting and sculpture
Key Terms to Review (28)
Abstract Expressionism: Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It emphasizes the expressive potential of color and form rather than representational or realistic depictions. This movement sought to convey emotional intensity and the artist's inner experience, connecting deeply with earlier movements like Surrealism and Expressionism while influencing later styles like Color Field Painting and Post-Painterly Abstraction.
Formalism: Formalism is an approach to art that emphasizes the formal elements of a work, such as color, shape, line, and composition, over content or context. This perspective focuses on how these elements work together to create a visual experience, often leading to a more objective analysis of art rather than subjective interpretation. It plays a significant role in various movements that prioritize aesthetic quality and structural integrity.
Visual illusions: Visual illusions are deceptive images or perceptions that trick the brain into interpreting visual information in a way that differs from reality. They can arise from various factors such as color, light, perspective, and patterns, creating effects that can be both intriguing and confusing. In the context of art, these illusions challenge viewers' perceptions and invite deeper engagement with the work, encouraging them to question what they see versus what they understand.
Systematic patterns: Systematic patterns refer to the intentional organization and arrangement of elements within an artwork, creating a cohesive structure that can guide the viewer's perception and interpretation. In the context of visual arts, these patterns can manifest through repetition, symmetry, and rhythm, influencing how forms and colors interact within a composition. Artists often use systematic patterns to establish order and clarity, allowing for a more profound engagement with the artwork.
Sharp, precise edges: Sharp, precise edges refer to clean and well-defined boundaries in visual art that create a sense of clarity and structure. These edges often contrast with softer, blurred lines, making the elements within a composition appear more distinct and organized. In the context of modern art movements, sharp edges can be used to convey a sense of order, control, and deliberate intention in the work.
Dynamic visual tensions: Dynamic visual tensions refer to the visual conflicts and interactions that create a sense of energy and movement within an artwork. This concept emphasizes the interplay of opposing elements, such as color, form, and composition, which can evoke emotional responses and engage the viewer's eye. Artists use these tensions to push boundaries and challenge traditional representations, resulting in a more dynamic and impactful experience.
Viewer perception: Viewer perception refers to the way individuals interpret and understand visual art based on their personal experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. This concept emphasizes that art is not just about the artist's intention but also heavily relies on the audience's unique interactions with the artwork, which can influence their emotional and intellectual responses.
Emotional impact: Emotional impact refers to the ability of a work of art to evoke feelings and resonate with viewers on a personal level. This emotional connection can provoke a range of responses, from joy to sadness, and is often achieved through the use of color, form, composition, and subject matter, encouraging viewers to engage with the artwork in a deeper way.
Color relationships: Color relationships refer to the ways in which colors interact with each other in a composition, influencing mood, harmony, and visual impact. These relationships can be understood through concepts such as complementary colors, analogous colors, and color harmonies, which all contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of an artwork. Recognizing how colors work together is essential for artists to create balance and emotional resonance in their pieces.
Clean edges: Clean edges refer to the sharp, well-defined boundaries in visual art that create a sense of clarity and precision in composition. This characteristic is essential in Post-Painterly Abstraction, as it reflects a departure from the expressive brushwork of Abstract Expressionism and emphasizes an organized structure and flatness in artworks.
Two-dimensional space: Two-dimensional space refers to a flat plane where only two dimensions are present: height and width. In art, this concept is crucial for understanding how artists create depth, perspective, and composition without the influence of depth or volume that three-dimensional works would involve. It allows for the exploration of balance, movement, and the interaction of shapes and colors on a surface.
Geometric compositions: Geometric compositions refer to artistic arrangements that emphasize the use of geometric shapes, forms, and lines to create visual harmony and structure in a work of art. This approach often simplifies natural forms into basic shapes, allowing artists to explore abstraction and the relationship between space and color, which is particularly relevant in movements that prioritize clarity and purity over emotional expression.
Mechanical reproduction: Mechanical reproduction refers to the process of duplicating images or artworks through technological means, such as photography, printing, or digital media. This concept fundamentally alters the way art is experienced, perceived, and valued, as it allows for mass production and distribution, challenging the notion of originality and authenticity in art.
Minimalism: Minimalism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by simplicity, reduction of form, and a focus on the materials and the medium itself. It emphasizes the use of basic geometric shapes and a limited color palette, stripping away any unnecessary elements to create a pure, direct experience for the viewer. This approach can be seen in various forms, including painting, sculpture, and installation art, where the intention is to challenge perceptions and evoke contemplation rather than emotional engagement.
Non-representational: Non-representational art is a form of artistic expression that does not aim to depict objects or subjects from the real world. Instead, it focuses on the use of colors, shapes, forms, and lines to create compositions that evoke emotions or ideas without reference to anything recognizable. This approach allows artists to explore their creativity and engage viewers in a more subjective experience.
Transparency: Transparency refers to the quality of allowing light to pass through a material, enabling the viewer to see through it. In art, particularly within Post-Painterly Abstraction, transparency is used to create layers, depth, and a sense of luminosity that enhances the viewer's experience. This approach emphasizes the physical properties of paint and the surface, leading to a visual dialogue between colors and forms.
Op Art: Op Art, short for Optical Art, is an art movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by its use of optical illusions and visual effects to create a sense of movement and depth. Artists within this movement often employed geometric shapes, contrasting colors, and precise arrangements to engage viewers' perceptions, challenging their understanding of vision and reality. This movement is closely related to Post-Painterly Abstraction, as both emphasize color and form while moving away from traditional representation.
Acrylic paints: Acrylic paints are fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in a synthetic polymer emulsion. They can be thinned with water and, once dry, become water-resistant, allowing for versatile applications across different surfaces. Their quick drying time and ease of use have made them popular among artists, particularly in movements like Post-Painterly Abstraction, which emphasized clarity and purity of color.
Soak-stain technique: The soak-stain technique is a painting method where thin layers of paint are applied to a surface, allowing the colors to soak into the material rather than simply lying on top. This technique emphasizes the interaction between paint and the substrate, creating a luminous effect and enhancing the perception of depth and texture in the artwork. It is closely associated with the Post-Painterly Abstraction movement, which values clarity and color as central components in art.
Masking tape: Masking tape is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape used primarily in painting and art for creating sharp edges and protecting surfaces from paint. It allows artists to define areas for color application and is a crucial tool for achieving clean lines and precise detailing in works, especially in the context of Post-Painterly Abstraction.
Flatness: Flatness refers to a two-dimensional quality in art that emphasizes the surface of the canvas or medium rather than creating an illusion of depth. In the context of visual arts, it challenges traditional perspectives by asserting the importance of the surface as a critical aspect of composition and meaning, rather than merely a stage for depicting three-dimensional forms. This notion encourages artists to focus on color, shape, and form while rejecting the representational techniques that create depth.
Frank Stella: Frank Stella is an influential American painter and printmaker known for his contributions to the Post-Painterly Abstraction movement, which emerged in the late 1950s and emphasized clarity, color, and form over personal expression. His works often incorporate geometric shapes and vibrant colors, pushing the boundaries of traditional painting by emphasizing the flatness of the canvas and exploring new materials and techniques.
Ellsworth Kelly: Ellsworth Kelly was an influential American painter and sculptor known for his contributions to the Post-Painterly Abstraction movement, characterized by bold colors and simplified forms. His work emphasizes flatness, color, and the integration of the canvas with the surrounding space, moving away from traditional representations and focusing on pure visual experience.
Post-painterly abstraction: Post-painterly abstraction is an art movement that emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, characterized by a focus on the visual aspects of painting while minimizing the importance of the artist's gesture and emotional expression. It emphasizes clarity, form, and the use of color as a means of exploration rather than a vehicle for personal expression, contrasting with the more emotive and gestural styles of Abstract Expressionism.
Helen frankenthaler: Helen Frankenthaler was an influential American painter known for her role in the development of Abstract Expressionism and her innovative technique of color field painting. She is best recognized for her use of soak-stain methods, which involved pouring thinned paint onto unprimed canvas, allowing the colors to blend and create soft edges. Her work bridges the intense energy of action painting with a more lyrical and contemplative approach characteristic of post-painterly abstraction.
Clement Greenberg: Clement Greenberg was an influential American art critic known for his support of Modernist art and the promotion of Abstract Expressionism. He played a significant role in defining the standards of visual art during the mid-20th century, particularly through his essays that championed the purity of painting and emphasized the importance of medium specificity. His ideas were central to the development of Post-Painterly Abstraction, where he encouraged artists to explore color, form, and non-representational techniques, moving away from traditional methods of expression.
Hard-edge painting: Hard-edge painting is a style of abstract painting characterized by the use of sharp, clean edges and distinct color boundaries without any blending or gradation. This technique emphasizes the flatness of the canvas, often utilizing bold, non-representational colors to create a striking visual impact. It connects deeply with movements that prioritize color and surface over traditional representation, making it a significant approach in both Color Field Painting and Post-Painterly Abstraction.
Color Field Painting: Color Field Painting is an art movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by large areas of solid color applied to canvas, emphasizing the flatness of the surface and the emotional power of color. This movement focuses less on representational forms and more on the viewer's experience of color itself, often encouraging contemplation and emotional responses.