Abstract Expressionism: How to Identify Abstract Expressionism Paintings

Key Characteristics: How to Identify a Abstract Expressionism Painting

When you encounter a painting in a museum, these visual markers will help you identify it as belonging to the Abstract Expressionism movement.

Large Scale

This is one of the defining visual characteristics of Abstract Expressionism painting. Artists working in this style used large scale as a fundamental element of their visual language, creating works that are immediately recognizable for this quality.

Gestural Brushwork

This is one of the defining visual characteristics of Abstract Expressionism painting. Artists working in this style used gestural brushwork as a fundamental element of their visual language, creating works that are immediately recognizable for this quality.

Non-Representational

This is one of the defining visual characteristics of Abstract Expressionism painting. Artists working in this style used non-representational as a fundamental element of their visual language, creating works that are immediately recognizable for this quality.

Emotional Intensity

This is one of the defining visual characteristics of Abstract Expressionism painting. Artists working in this style used emotional intensity as a fundamental element of their visual language, creating works that are immediately recognizable for this quality.

Famous Abstract Expressionism Artists

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock was one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, creating works that helped define the movement's visual identity and expand its expressive possibilities.

Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko was one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, creating works that helped define the movement's visual identity and expand its expressive possibilities.

Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning was one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, creating works that helped define the movement's visual identity and expand its expressive possibilities.

Franz Kline

Franz Kline was one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, creating works that helped define the movement's visual identity and expand its expressive possibilities.

Helen Frankenthaler

Helen Frankenthaler was one of the leading figures of Abstract Expressionism, creating works that helped define the movement's visual identity and expand its expressive possibilities.

Where to See Abstract Expressionism Paintings

• Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: Outstanding Abstract Expressionism holdings spanning the movement's major artists.
• National Gallery, London: Significant collection of Abstract Expressionism works.
• Musée du Louvre, Paris: Important Abstract Expressionism paintings in the permanent collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a painting Abstract Expressionism?

A Abstract Expressionism painting is identified by large scale, gestural brushwork, non-representational, emotional intensity. These visual characteristics distinguish Abstract Expressionism from other movements and periods in art history.

Who were the main Abstract Expressionism artists?

The principal Abstract Expressionism artists include Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, Helen Frankenthaler. Each brought individual innovations to the movement's shared principles.

When was Abstract Expressionism active?

Abstract Expressionism was active during the 1940s to 1960s period, originating in United States. The movement emerged in response to the artistic conventions that preceded it and in turn influenced the movements that followed.