Reaction against abstract expressionism

Definition

The reaction against abstract expressionism refers to the artistic shift that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, challenging the spontaneous and emotive qualities of abstract expressionist art. Artists sought to create works that emphasized order, structure, and a more controlled aesthetic, moving towards minimalism and conceptual art. This response often highlighted a desire for clarity, precision, and a focus on the medium itself, which became foundational in movements like minimalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reaction against abstract expressionism was partly a response to the perceived chaos and subjectivity of that movement, as artists sought more objective means of expression.
2. This reaction coincided with the rise of minimalism, where artists like Donald Judd and Agnes Martin focused on seriality and repetition to create clarity in their work.
3. The movement led to a reevaluation of how artworks were perceived, encouraging viewers to engage with the physical properties of materials rather than emotional responses.
4. In this period, there was a growing interest in industrial materials and processes, which influenced artists to adopt a more mechanical approach to creation.
5. Artists involved in this reaction often critiqued the heroic notion associated with abstract expressionism, instead promoting collaboration and collective approaches in their practices.

Review Questions

• How did the reaction against abstract expressionism influence the development of minimalist painting?
  • The reaction against abstract expressionism had a profound impact on minimalist painting by emphasizing order and structure over emotional expression. Artists sought to create works that were more controlled and objective, which led to techniques involving seriality and repetition. This shift allowed for a focus on the physical properties of materials and encouraged viewers to engage with the work on a different level than they would with abstract expressionism.
• Discuss how formalism relates to the ideas presented in the reaction against abstract expressionism.
  • Formalism aligns closely with the ideas stemming from the reaction against abstract expressionism by focusing on visual elements rather than emotional content. As artists moved away from the spontaneous brushstrokes of abstract expressionism, they began to prioritize shape, line, color, and composition. This shift reinforced the idea that art could be understood through its structural components, enhancing appreciation for clarity and simplicity in minimalist works.
• Evaluate how the collective nature of artistic practice changed due to the reaction against abstract expressionism and its impact on contemporary art.
  • The reaction against abstract expressionism fostered a shift towards collaborative practices among artists, moving away from the solitary genius model associated with earlier movements. This change encouraged group exhibitions and shared ideas among artists, which shaped contemporary art's landscape. The emphasis on community engagement and shared concepts has had lasting effects on how art is produced today, influencing various collaborative projects across multiple mediums.

Related terms

Minimalism: An art movement that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by simplicity, geometric forms, and an emphasis on the materials used in the work.

Conceptual Art:

An art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.

Formalism:

An approach in art criticism and theory that prioritizes visual elements such as color, shape, and line over content or context.