The new american painting

Definition

The new American painting refers to a transformative movement in the mid-20th century that emerged primarily through Abstract Expressionism, characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and an emphasis on the act of painting itself. This style reflects a departure from traditional representational art, focusing instead on the artist's emotional experience and spontaneous creativity, which is especially evident in action painting and color field painting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The new American painting gained prominence after World War II, marking a shift in the center of the art world from Europe to the United States.
2. Artists associated with this movement sought to express their inner feelings and personal experiences through their artwork rather than adhering to traditional techniques.
3. Prominent figures such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko were key contributors to the new American painting, each with distinct styles that exemplified its principles.
4. The movement is often divided into two main branches: action painting, which focuses on dynamic brushwork and physical engagement with the canvas, and color field painting, which emphasizes color as a primary means of expression.
5. The influence of psychology and existential philosophy played a significant role in shaping the themes and approaches of artists involved in the new American painting.

Review Questions

• How does action painting differentiate itself from color field painting within the context of the new American painting?
  • Action painting emphasizes the physical act of painting, where artists like Jackson Pollock used energetic brushwork and spontaneous movements to create dynamic compositions. In contrast, color field painting focuses on large areas of color and often employs a more subdued application technique to evoke emotion. Both styles showcase unique approaches to abstraction but highlight different aspects of the artist's expression.
• Discuss the impact of historical context on the emergence of the new American painting following World War II.
  • The emergence of the new American painting was significantly influenced by the historical context following World War II. The devastation caused by the war led to a questioning of traditional values and artistic conventions. As America rose as a cultural leader, artists began to explore personal and psychological themes in their work, reflecting broader societal shifts. This new focus on individuality and emotional expression laid the groundwork for movements like Abstract Expressionism to thrive.
• Evaluate how key artists associated with the new American painting contributed to its legacy and influence in contemporary art.
  • Key artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko significantly shaped the legacy of the new American painting through their innovative techniques and philosophies. Pollock's drip paintings revolutionized how paint could be applied, encouraging spontaneity and direct engagement with the canvas. Rothko's exploration of color as a means to evoke emotion opened doors for future minimalist and conceptual artists. Their contributions not only defined Abstract Expressionism but also set a precedent for subsequent movements in contemporary art, influencing generations of artists seeking to explore emotion and abstraction.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: An art movement that emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, aiming to convey emotional intensity through abstract forms.

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting characterized by large expanses of color and simplified shapes, focusing on the interaction of colors rather than detailed forms.

Action Painting: A technique within Abstract Expressionism where paint is applied to the canvas in an energetic and gestural manner, often involving drips and splashes.