Harold Rosenberg

Definition

Harold Rosenberg was an influential American art critic and theorist known for his role in defining and promoting Abstract Expressionism. He coined the term 'action painting' to describe a style of art that emphasized the physical act of painting as an essential part of the artwork itself, connecting the artist's emotions and experiences directly to the canvas. His writings and critiques significantly shaped the understanding and reception of Abstract Expressionism within the cultural context of post-World War II America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rosenberg believed that the act of painting was as important as the final artwork, which led him to emphasize the physicality and process involved in creation.
2. He wrote extensively about artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, helping to elevate their works to iconic status within the Abstract Expressionist movement.
3. Rosenberg's essay 'The American Action Painters' published in 1952, was instrumental in establishing a critical framework for understanding this new style of art.
4. He argued that Abstract Expressionism represented a break from traditional European art forms, emphasizing a uniquely American approach to expression through spontaneity and personal experience.
5. Rosenberg's ideas contributed to a shift in how art was perceived, moving away from representational art towards one that valued individual interpretation and emotional depth.

Review Questions

• How did Harold Rosenberg's concept of action painting influence the way Abstract Expressionism was perceived?
  • Harold Rosenberg's concept of action painting greatly influenced the perception of Abstract Expressionism by highlighting the importance of the creative process. He argued that the act of painting itself was a vital part of the artwork, suggesting that viewers should consider not just the finished piece but also how it was made. This perspective encouraged audiences to engage with art on a more personal level, appreciating the emotions and intentions behind each brushstroke.
• In what ways did Rosenberg's writings contrast with those of his contemporaries like Clement Greenberg regarding Abstract Expressionism?
  • Rosenberg's writings often contrasted with those of Clement Greenberg by focusing more on the individual artist's experience and the spontaneity of creation, while Greenberg emphasized formalism and aesthetics. While Greenberg championed a more analytical view centered on color and composition, Rosenberg viewed the act of painting as a means of emotional expression. This difference reflected broader debates within modern art about how to define and evaluate new forms of artistic practice.
• Evaluate how Harold Rosenberg's theories on Abstract Expressionism contributed to shifting cultural perspectives in post-World War II America.
  • Harold Rosenberg's theories contributed significantly to shifting cultural perspectives in post-World War II America by framing Abstract Expressionism as a reflection of individual freedom and personal expression. His emphasis on action painting resonated with a society grappling with its identity in the aftermath of war, suggesting that art could be a powerful means of exploring psychological depth. This focus on personal experience in art paralleled wider cultural movements that prioritized individual voices and challenged traditional norms, ultimately influencing future generations of artists.

Related terms

Action Painting: A style of painting characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, emphasizing the act of painting as a form of expression.

Abstract Expressionism: An artistic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, focusing on abstract forms and emotional intensity, often conveying the artist's inner feelings.

Clement Greenberg: An influential art critic who championed modernist painting and had a significant impact on the promotion of Abstract Expressionism alongside Rosenberg.