Abstract Expressionism was an American post-World War II art movement between 1946-1960. It was characterized by spontaneous, informal paintings focused on the inner psyche using unconventional techniques like drip and pour to create energetic, dynamic gestures expressing the authentic personal experience rather than conforming to common sense. Key artists included Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Adolph Gottlieb, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline, and Lee Krasner.

1. Abstract Expressionism 1946 – 1960

2. What is Abstract Expressionism?

3. 1940-1960

4. "To us, art is an adventure into an unknown world of the imagination which is fancy-free and violently opposed to common sense. There is no such thing as a good painting about nothing. We assert that the subject is critical." - New York Times (June 1943), Gottlieb, Rothko, and Newman

6. Abstract Expressionism is… Spontaneous

7. Number 28, 1950, Jackson Pollock

8. Abstract Expressionism is… The Inner Psyche

9. Woman, 1950Willem de Kooning

10. Abstract Expressionism is… Unconventional

11. Adolph GottliebPink Ground, 1972

12. Abstract Expressionism is… informal

13. No. 13 (White, Red, on Yellow), 1958Mark Rothko Rothko said, "I paint big to be intimate." The notion is toward the personal (authentic expression of the individual) rather than the grandiose.

14. Abstract Expressionism is… Dynamic

15. Black Reflections, 1959Franz Kline

16. Abstract Expressionism is… Energetic Gesture

17. Night Creatures, 1965Lee Krasner

19. The Artists

20. Jackson Pollack Drip and Pour

21. Now it’s your turn!

22. Citations http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/abex/hd_abex.htm (Accessed 27 March 2010).