1. Art Movements of
the Post WWII Years

2. Abstract Expressionism

3. Abstract Expressionism: Background
Began in late 1940s; early 1950s
Shifted the center of international art scene to the USA (esp. New York)
Reaction to the devastation of WWII
Visual representation of existentialism
Inspired by the Surrealism – “art of anarchy”

4. Abstract Expressionism: Characteristics
GOAL: expression of inner life through art
THEORY: Image not result of preconceived idea, but of creative process (“action painting”)
TECHNIQUE: Free application of paint, no reference to visual reality
Stressed energy, action, kinetiscism, & freneticism

5. Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950

6. Franz Kline
Black Reflection
1959

7. Barnett Newman
Concord
1949

8. Lee Krasner, Night Creatures, 1965

9. William de Kooning
Woman V

10. Pop Art

11. Pop Art: Background
Began in early 1960s in Great Britain (Independent Group); quickly spread to America
Rebelled against the work of the Abstract Expressionists
Reaction to growing consumerism & celebrity-worshipping culture

12. Pop Art: Characteristics
Icon of popular Culture as the main focus
Features objects from Advertising
Bold, bright, often neon Colors
Focus on the lines and contours of the object/subject
Background that makes the subject “pop” such as dots.
Repetition of the object
Comic-style layout

13. Richard Hamilton
Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?
1956

14. Japer Johns, Three Flags, 1958

15. Andy Warhol, Cambell’s Soup Cans, 1962

16. Andy Warhol, Marilyn Diptych, 1962

17. Roy Lichtenstein, Drowning Girl, 1963

18. Roy Lichtenstein, Whaam, 1963

19. David Hockney, A Bigger Splash, 1967

20. Robert Indiana , Love, 1963