Definition

Noun: 1. An art movement: A major movement in mid-20th century American painting, characterized by large-scale, non-representational works that emphasize spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It is noted for conveying powerful emotions through abstract forms, brushstrokes, and texture. 2. A style of painting: The style of art produced by this movement, where the physical act of painting itself and the expression of the artist's inner world are as important as, or more important than, the final visual subject matter.

Usage and Examples

• As the name of the movement:
  • Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York City in the 1940s.
  • The museum is holding a major exhibition on Abstract Expressionism.
• Describing a work or style:
  • This large canvas is a prime example of abstract expressionism.
  • Her work evolved from figurative art into pure abstract expressionism.

Advanced Usage and Context

• Historical Context: The term is often used to describe the first distinctly American modernist art movement to gain international influence, shifting the center of the art world from Paris to New York after World War II. It is sometimes called the "New York School."
• Key Concepts: Discussions of abstract expressionism frequently involve concepts like action painting (emphasizing the physical act of painting, as seen in Jackson Pollock's work) and color field painting (focusing on large areas of flat color, as seen in Mark Rothko's work).

Variants and Related Words

• Abstract Expressionist (noun): An artist who creates art in this style.
  • Jackson Pollock was a leading Abstract Expressionist.
• Abstract Expressionist (adjective): Describing something related to this movement.
  • It is an Abstract Expressionist masterpiece.

Synonyms and Near Synonyms

• Action Painting: A major subset of abstract expressionism focusing on the energy of the painter's gestures.
• The New York School: A term often used interchangeably with Abstract Expressionism to refer to the group of artists working in this style in post-war New York.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (To be) in the Abstract Expressionist vein/style: Used to describe art that shares the characteristics of this movement.
  • His later work was very much in the Abstract Expressionist vein.

Noun

1. a New York school of painting characterized by freely created abstractions; the first important school of American painting to develop independently of European styles