The New York School

Definition

The New York School refers to a group of American abstract expressionist artists who emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in New York City. This movement is characterized by its emphasis on spontaneity, improvisation, and the exploration of the subconscious through large-scale, expressive paintings. Artists in this group sought to break away from traditional art forms and reflect their inner emotions, ultimately reshaping the landscape of modern art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New York School was most prominent during the 1940s and 1950s, with key figures including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko.
2. Jackson Pollock's drip paintings are a hallmark of the New York School, showcasing his unique technique that involved dripping and pouring paint onto canvases laid flat on the ground.
3. Artists associated with the New York School often gathered at venues like the Cedar Tavern in Greenwich Village, creating a vibrant community that fostered experimentation and collaboration.
4. The movement marked a significant shift in the art world, positioning New York City as a new center for avant-garde art, taking over from Paris.
5. Clyfford Still is noted for his contribution to the New York School with his focus on color and form, particularly in his large-scale works that evoke emotional intensity.

Review Questions

• How did the New York School redefine modern art and influence subsequent artistic movements?
  • The New York School played a crucial role in redefining modern art by emphasizing individual expression and spontaneity. This movement shifted the focus from traditional artistic techniques to an exploration of emotion and subconscious thought. The emphasis on action painting and color field painting introduced new methods that would influence later movements such as Minimalism and Postmodernism.
• Discuss the significance of community among artists within the New York School and how it contributed to their work.
  • The community among artists within the New York School was vital for fostering creativity and collaboration. Gathering in spaces like the Cedar Tavern allowed these artists to share ideas, critique each other's work, and push each other toward innovative techniques. This environment encouraged a collective spirit that helped shape their individual styles while reinforcing their shared goal of breaking away from conventional art forms.
• Evaluate Clyfford Still's impact on the New York School and how his approach to abstraction differed from his contemporaries.
  • Clyfford Still significantly impacted the New York School with his distinctive approach to abstraction that focused on color and form. Unlike some of his contemporaries who employed dynamic gestures and drips, Still's work often featured bold fields of color and a more contemplative atmosphere. His emphasis on the emotional power of color helped broaden the scope of Abstract Expressionism and laid groundwork for future explorations in color theory within modern art.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: A post-World War II art movement that focuses on spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, often resulting in large canvases filled with dynamic and expressive brushwork.

Action Painting: A style within Abstract Expressionism where the artist's physical act of painting is emphasized, often involving energetic brush strokes and drips of paint.

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting characterized by large areas of solid color, aiming to evoke emotional responses through color rather than form or gesture.