“My painting doesn’t come from the easel…”
Jackson Pollock
Most significant art movements have a retrospective recognition. They are often named, defined and valued over decades or even centuries. New York Abstract Expressionism launched with a bang, within the sometimes short lifetimes of the founding artists. The key event was the August 1949 edition of Life Magazine. It contained an article about Jackson Pollock, entitled “Is this the greatest living painter in the United States?”. The text of the article explored the background of this art, but the pictures of Pollock dripping, splashing and smearing paint across the floor of his rural barn were more impactful. Middle class America became fully aware of Abstract Expressionism. Love it or loathe it, brand recognition is everything. Everyone was anxious to see such works regardless of their views. The Abstract Expressionists notoriety, exhibitions and sales skyrocketed. It is the reason the fledgling National Gallery of Australia chose Pollock’s Blue Poles as one of their first purchases, settling a new record price for an American painting in the process. #expressionistfanboy #letsmakelemonade
Pen Paint and Scalpel 