Self (Discussion)

Abstract expressionism is an expression of self for a few reasons. As stated in the class text book Understanding Art: 11th Edition, abstract expressionism emphasized: spontaneity, gestural brushstrokes, nonobjective imagery, and fields of intense color. These all are from a culmination of past techniques, which is pretty neat. All of the highlighted aspects strongly suggested individuality and creation of unique works. The idea that the artist chooses the parts to focus on illustrates the celebration of themselves as artists. A prime example of an abstract expressionist artist would be Jackson Pollock. Many of his works, such as Blue Poles, illustrated how he painted by impulse, rather than conscious control. He is quoted to have said, "Every good painter paints what he is." Pollock became famous for painting what he felt was his personality. Willem De Kooning is another example. He created several paintings of women, with Two Women's Torsos being one of the most famous. De Kooning brought back past fertility beliefs and his work was determined to represent the variety of feelings he had felt about women. Abstract expressionism has had fair criticism, but has also been influential in letting the artist celebrate themselves through expression.