#abstract_expressionist

[mikeesson-blog]

podgora series II, acrylics, latex paint, pastels on board by mike esson 2017 by mike esson Via Flickr: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[pals98-blog]

Week 9

The mid-century American abstraction movement is another art movement that I’m personally not a huge fan of. Most of the art is so simplistic like a lot of Ellsworth Kelly’s work where he just paints blocks (or even full canvases) of solid color.  Josef Albers’s Study for Homage to the Square is just a square canvas with four squares painted in two shades of red.  The almost perfectly straight lines of the squares does indicate artistic ability, but I just don’t feel like this type of art really showcases any of these artists potential talent.  Other pieces like Arshile Gorky’s Garden in Sochi actually look like a young child’s painting (like a preschooler or kindergartener painted it).  Again, some of Gorky’s other works prove that he does have talent, but this painting feels like he isn’t using his talent.  Looking at this piece, I would’ve never guessed that it was supposed to be a depiction of a garden.  According to the book, there is supposed to be porcupines, carrots, a leafless tree with colorful ribbons, and a blue rock in black soil; but, I literally don’t see any of that.  I know it’s supposed to be an abstract representation but I tend to lose interest when I can’t even guess what it’s really supposed to be.  

https://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/521/flashcards/2279521/jpg/picture21367267709029.jp

One form of the American abstract movement that I do like is the action painting because it displays the artists activity and creativity with using new methods to paint.  I especially like Jackson Pollock’s work.  The splatter paint, swirled images that he created are mesmerizing.  One other thing that I like about them is that he doesn’t try to claim that they are something specific.  His piece White Light is named that because of the white paint that seems to shine through.  His titles and descriptions actually fit the pieces and make sense.  

http://ayay.co.uk/arts/abstract_expressionist/jackson_pollock/white-light.jpg

Pop art is a movement that I do enjoy.  I love the way that these artists took normal objects or figures and made them into a story or something new.  I particularly enjoy Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol’s works.  Rauschenberg used his art to tell stories based on current events.  Looking at his art is like getting a mini history lesson in a fun and entertaining way. I like Andy Warhol’s work because he also takes basic objects and gives them a new focus.  He loved to paint iconic American products and people.  I also enjoy Roy Lichtenstein’s comic book-like art style; probably because I occasionally enjoy reading comic books.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgsgzqchOFs/U1qMSY9J-zI/AAAAAAAABHM/0OMyg-_sEWA/s1600/John-Lennon-Andy-Warhol.png

Op art is both interesting and impressive in my opinion.  Some pieces can make people stare at them for some time while they try to figure out the illusion.  The way these artists managed to create the illusion of movement or color changes on a flat, non-changing canvas is incredible.  On the flip side, Minimalism and Conceptualism aren’t that impressive to me. These works of art are usually just a little too simple in my opinion.  I’m sure that it’s just because I don’t get the point that I don’t really like this type of art, but I just personally prefer art that has a point that you can figure out at least part of.  

[mikeesson-blog]

40x48cm acrylics, latex paint, pastels and collage on board, May 2017 by mike esson Via Flickr: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[mikeesson-blog]

Paul McCartney in action showing his love for Abstract Expressionism by mike esson

[mikeesson-blog]

still life I from VIII on canvas in 2015 by mike essson by mike esson

[mikeesson-blog]

Homage to Kitaj II by mike esson Via Flickr: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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75x55cm acrylics, mixed media and pastel on board IV'17 by mike esson by mike esson Via Flickr: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[mikeesson-blog]

mixed media, acrylics, pastel, in 2017 by mike esson by mike esson Via Flickr: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA