Abstract Expressionism was a post-World War II American art movement that originated in New York in the 1940s. It was the first American art movement to gain worldwide recognition and prominence, establishing New York City as the center of the global art world. Abstract Expressionism had two main streams - Action Painting in the late 1940s-1950s, characterized by impulsive, emotional brushwork, and Color Field and Hard-Edge Painting in the early 1960s, focused on large areas of color or geometric shapes. Major artists associated with the movement included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, and Mark Rothko.

1. Abstract Expressionism Mountains and Sea by Helen Frankenthaler

3. The movement originated in New York’s Greenwich Village in the mid-1940’s

4. The movement's name is derived from the combination of the emotional intensity and self-denial of the German Expressionists.

6. Although it spread throughout the United States, it was mostly centered around New York City and the San Francisco Bay area.

7. After WWII, images of the Holocaust were everywhere. Since photographs of the Holocaust were more powerful, socially aware artists began to explore shape or color.

8. Most painters of the movement favored large canvasses, dramatic colors, and loose brushwork.Cont.

10. Not only painters, but sculptors, photographers and filmmakers were apart of the movement.

11. Had two streams: Action Painting & Color Field and Hard-Edge PaintingWhat is Abstract Expressionism? Cont.

13. The life energy and the psyche of the painter were the driving forces behind the paintings.

14. The canvas was seen as an arena.

15. The painting was irrational and impulsive, conveying fast movement and action.

16. Famous Action Painters:

17. Jackson Pollock

18. Willem de-Kooning

21. Color field paintings consisted of large colored areas. The shades of color were usually diluted to sink into the canvas.

22. Hard-Edge describes geometric abstract works, and had clearly defined outlines and edges.

23. Famous Color Field & Hard-Edge Painters:

24. Helen Frankenthaler

25. Barnett Newman

27. Sculpturesfrom Abstract Expressionism Homage to Piranesi V by Herbert Ferber Cubi VI by David Smith