Art Exploration: Reading and writing about an art movement and analyzing artists and their art works within that movement. (Parts A, B, & C)
Mr. Hagstrom
Abstract Expressionism:
Introduction:"Abstract Expressionism, broad movement in American painting that began in the late 1940s and became a dominant trend in Western painting during the 1950s. The most prominent American Abstract Expressionist painters were Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko."
Source: https://www.britannica.com/art/Abstract-Expressionism
Activities (Broken down by day).
Day 1
A. First enter the search terms: "jackson pollock art," and then click on Images. Take a minute and observe his paintings.
1. On a sheet of notebook paper, in your own words, try to describe his style as best as you can.
B. Go to this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_expressionism and read paragraphs 1, just the first two sentences of paragraph 2, and all of 3 & 4.
Then answer these questions (FSA) on a sheet of notebook paper, writing neatly, spelling correctly. (You don't need to copy the questions.)
From Paragraph 1
1. When and where did abstract expressionism develop?
2. When and where was the term abstract expressionism first used?
3. Use Google translate. Translate the terms Der Sturm into English?
4. What was Der Sturm? (See pop up information box when you hover over the words in Wikipedia.)
Paragraph 2
5. American Abstract Expressionism came on the heels of what art movement?
Paragraph 3
6. What is the movement's name derived from?
7. What is cubism? (See pop up.)
8. What characterizes abstract expressionist art?
9. Define, using an Internet based dictionary:
anarchic:
idiosyncratic:
nihilistic:
Paragraph 3
10. What did California artist, Jay Meuser, write about his painting Mare Nostrum?
Day 2
Paragraph 4
11. Abstract Expressionism has artistic similarities to what other art movement?
12. Explain whether abstract art is normally the product of spontaneity or careful planning? Why might people think the creative source is one thing, but is actually the other?
C. Influences of Abstract Expressionism - What came before.
13. Art Browse / Observe (Just do, don't write no. 13).
Still using the Wikipedia Article on Abstract Expressionism, read paragraph 5. Answer these questions:
14. What is Social Realism (see pop up description)?
15. A. (Read background here.) One reason for the emphasis on social realism was the Great Depression, when many, many, people lost jobs, closed businesses, and lost their homes. Literature connection: Hoovervilles (homeless camps) full of homeless people, including families.
Another source of inspiration for Abstract Expressionism may have been the muralist of Mexico. Let's read about this.
B. Do a Google Search using the terms: "Mexican muralist art", select image results. Analyze the first 12 or so images.
C. Answer in writing: (1) Do you find any repeated themes?
(2) Then Select a painting that you consider representative of the group. Explain why you chose this painting? What does it say to you? (What do you see in it?) Describe the style of the painting as best as you can. Take your time; be thoughtful. Write your answers neatly.
16. Diego Rivera? Using the search terms: "Diego Rivera Art" Scan the first page of the image web search results for Rivera. Discuss one painting that catches your eye as beautiful or interesting, describe it, tell me what it "says" to you when you see it and how it makes you feel.
17. Visit the website of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/abex/hd_abex.htm
What was the approximate time period of the lives of the artists of the Abstract Expressionism Movement? Read the first paragraph, then write the names of 3 artists representative of this movement and when they lived.
18. What did these artists "break away" from?
19. What did this artists "value" most?
20. What questions do you have - or what would you like more explanation about after reading this paragraph or trying to answer questions 18-19?
Please go to your teacher to discuss any questions you may have.
21. With the time remaining to you, from this list of artists, enter their name + art, select images in a Google search. Browse their artwork quickly to get a feel for their unique style. Then choose one artist that you like or connect with best, explain why you like it. Think about using one of their styles for your own project tomorrow.
Jackson Pollock (1912–1956),
Willem de Kooning (1904–1997),
Franz Kline (1910–1962),
Lee Krasner (1908–1984),
Robert Motherwell (1915–1991),
William Baziotes (1912–1963),
Mark Rothko (1903–1970).
Write: After you look over the art of as many of these artists as you can in the time you have left, decide whom you like best and explain why.
Optionally, is there an artist's painting you will use to create your own art work for or pastel project? If so, please write this down as well.
Day 3: (Title) What are Cubism and Surrealism?
(Two influential art movements that came just before Abstract Expressionism)
22. Follow this link: https://www.ducksters.com/history/art/cubism.php and read the short first paragraph and shorter second paragraph. Answer these two questions:
(a.) How did cubist artists depict (show) their subjects?
(b.) What was the time period for this movement?
23. Using the same "ducksters-cubism" article, scroll down a bit to read about the three examples of Cubism in the article and follow the links in that text to view the art works. These works are of the two "fathers" of Cubism: Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Answer these questions:
(a.) Why would Braque say that his style of painting allowed the viewer 'to get closer to the object'?
(b.) What were some colors that were commonly used in early Cubism paintings?
(c.) In Picasso's self-portrait, are the lines between the different blocks well-defined?
24. Go to this address: https://www.theartstory.org/movement-surrealism.htm and read the first paragraph "Summary" of the Surrealist movement.
(a) Pull your eyes away from the text and ask yourself: What did I understand? Write a sentence of your first understanding.
(b) Read the paragraph again, then pull your eyes away from the text and ask yourself: What did I understand? Write two sentences sharing your understanding. (You may use the text to spell correctly / check your spelling when writing your sentences).
(C) Do you have a question at this point? Please write it here. Let me know if you have none too.
25. Using the same surrealism article, read about Sigmund Freud in the Key Ideas section.
How did his ideas connect to Surrealism?
26. Google search "Salvador Dali art," to review this style of art.
Do you see any connection to the Abstract Expressionism movement? Please explain your thoughts.
27. Go back to our main article: https://www.theartstory.org/movement-abstract-expressionism.htm. Read the first bullet point under "Key Ideas." Answer: What is written about myth and archetypal symbols?
(Note: an archetype is a term used to describe universal symbols that evoke or bring out deep and sometimes unconscious responses).
28. Go to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art in New York) website on the process and materials of Abstract Expressionism: Link: MoMA (https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/themes/abstract-expressionism/the-processes-and-materials-of-abstract-expressionist-painting/)
After you read the article, answer this question:
Were Jackson Pollack's and Franz Klein's energetic splatter artworks always impulsive and spontaneous? Give evidence to support your answer.
29. Label your answer sheet, "Abstract Expressionism," and staple answer sheets together. Turn in completed packets. Incomplete packets should be finished over the weekend and turned in Monday.
30. Create an Abstract Expressionist art piece using pastels on white poster paper.
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