Abstract Expressionism

Associated with liberated postwar society and the glamour of New York City, Abstract Expressionism was the first international art movement to come out of America. Its characteristic emphasis on spontaneous, emotional expression and abstract forms lends the movement an air of rebelliousness and anarchy, and it retains its ability to shock even today. Abstract Expressionism is most strongly associated with painting, from the iconic ‘drip canvases’ of Jackson Pollock to Arshile Gorky’s Surrealist-influenced works. However, there were also a number of artists working in other media, including sculpture and collage. The movment is also referred to as the New York School.