HISTORY OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART

In the aftermath of the Second World War, Abstract Expressionists painted self-reflexive works with no direct, visible external reference to the world or culture. Subsequently, various artistic currents proposed less self-centered pieces. The artworks created are characterized by different ways of playing with, rejecting, and embracing what surrounds them, be it the dominant culture, the exhibition space, nature, or militant movements. Based on your knowledge and references to works of art and movements, you will discuss this evolution.

Abstract expressionism was the first movement to emerge outside of Europe, in the United States, in 1940 while the country was still recovering from WWII. Artists at that time were still touched by trauma, confronting the devastation of the crisis caused by the war. This resulted in an art movement that aimed to be experienced, not just seen. Its artworks are giant, characterized by its all-over composition with no focal point. Each artist had their particular technique as it was meant to be a personal expression: an exploration of the inner and the human experience, something everyday images could not convey. An authentic raw expression of the artist’s emotions, often touching subjects such as death or spirituality. However, some of them would perform closer to Color Field Painting, meaning canvases filled with blocks of color, while others are recognized for their Action Painting, as they would fill canvases with vigorous gestural brush strokes.

One of abstract expressionism's most influential artworks is Rothko’s Untitled (Black, Red over Black on Red). Even though, at first view, the painting might seem simple, without any symbol or figure and through color modulations in space, the artist achieved to convey a sensation of movement and an ambiguous feeling of depth. Rothko’s objectives were mainly to express human feelings and transcend the context.

Another reference to this movement is Jackson Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), made in 1950. The American painter developed a unique technique named ‘dripping’, which entailed pouring and flinging paint onto canvases spread out on the floor rather than applying it with traditional brushes. That spontaneous act allowed Pollock to create through the movements driven by his subconscious. The painting previously mentioned is Pollock’s most famous work, mainly because of the energy this one represents. It is a vast canvas that clearly expresses the chaos of the subconscious.

During the 1950s, pop art was born in the United Kingdom through an independent group as a sense of irony for the new visual material from the U.S.A. The movement came to disrupt everything that had to do with abstract expressionism as it aimed to remove any emotional theme from art. It was a will to cease with inner exploration. Pop Art was a critique of mass production and the consumerist society, delivering strong political messages through its artworks. Artists manifested their messages through the use of humor as a form of criticism. They would create from what they see: rapid consumption, technology, democracy... Products were mass-produced, packed, and ready to sell. Pop Art artists used techniques such as painting, collage, and commercial screen printing. An example of English Pop Art is Richard Hamilton’s “Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?”. In his painting, we can see many of the new appearances from modern American society, such as the vacuum cleaner, the framed comic, and even a TV.

Later on, in the 1960s, the movement started to have a strong presence in the United States as they were primarily inspired by what they saw and experienced within their own culture— which was superficial and impersonal. An explicit critique of this consumerist society is Andy Warhol’s Campbel Soup Cans. Using imagery from advertising, the American artist does an irony towards American consumerism and aims to blur the lines between high art and low popular culture by defending the concept that there is no hierarchy of culture. Nonetheless, in his artworks, Warhol avoided any emotional expression, maintaining a neutral attitude toward his subjects.

In conclusion, the development of artistic movements following World War II represents a significant transformation in how artists interact with their surroundings. Abstract Expressionism arose as a reaction to the war, featuring introspective artworks that avoided visible external allusions. However, during the 1950s, a new wave of artistic movements occurred, including Pop Art, which represented an entirely different approach from the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism. This time, it is characterized by intentionally omitting sentimental elements in favor of humorous commentary. This artistic growth depicts a transition from self-reflective abstract expressionism to external criticist pop art. This change illustrates the intricate relationship between art and society as artists adjusted their artistic expressions to align with the evolving context of society, ultimately influencing the trajectory of modern art during the mid-20th century.



Referred images:

Mark Rothko, Untitled (Black, Red over Black on Red), 1964, oil on canvas, 205 x 193 cm, Centre Pompidou

Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950, Enamel on canvas, 266.7 x 525.8 cm, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Richard Hamilton, Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?, 1956, Collage, 26 x 25 cm, Kunsthalle Tübingen

Andy Warhol, Campbell's Soup Cans, 1962, Acrylic with metallic enamel paint on canvas, 32 panels, 50.8 × 40.6 cm, the MoMA