Jackson Pollock
Jackson Pollock was an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Born on January 28, 1912, in Cody, Wyoming, and passing away on August 11, 1956, in Springs, New York, Pollock's work revolutionized the art world with his unique style of drip painting. Here are some key aspects of his life and work:
Early Life and Education
- Pollock was the youngest of five brothers, born to Stella May McClure and LeRoy Pollock.
- He moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in California where he attended Manual Arts High School.
- After high school, he attended the Art Students League of New York in 1930, studying under Thomas Hart Benton, whose influence is evident in Pollock's early work.
Artistic Development
- Pollock's early work was influenced by surrealism, but he soon developed his own style, focusing on the expression of the unconscious.
- His breakthrough came in the late 1940s when he began his famous "drip" or "pour" technique, where he would fling and drip paint onto canvases laid on the floor.
- This technique led to his most famous works, including Number One, 1948, Lavender Mist, and Autumn Rhythm.
Abstract Expressionism
Legacy and Impact
- Despite a tumultuous personal life marked by alcoholism, Pollock's contribution to modern art was immense. His work challenged traditional methods of painting and the very notion of what constitutes art.
- After his death in a car crash at the age of 44, his legacy was cemented through exhibitions and retrospectives, notably at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
- His influence extended to subsequent art movements like Action Painting and Color Field Painting.
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