Who was Jackson Pollock?
Considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century, Jackson Pollock was an American painter known for his action painting technique and his contribution to the Abstract Expressionism artistic movement. Born in Cody, Wyoming, in 1912 and died in 1956, at a young age, in a car accident. During the 1940s, Pollock developed his unique technique of "action painting", where he used tools such as brushes, sticks and even sticks to spontaneously apply paint to canvases. Unlike artists at the time, Jackson Pollock worked on canvases on the floor, allowing gravity to play an important role in the creation of his works.
His paintings are known for their rich texture, chromatic intensity and flowing, curving lines that branch and intersect, creating a sense of movement and depth.
What are the characteristics of Jackson Pollock's works? What are Jackson Pollock's most famous works?
Jackson Pollock's works are characterized by his action painting technique and his non-objective approach to painting. He worked on canvases on the floor, allowing gravity to play an important role in the creation of his works.
Some of the characteristics of his paintings include:
- Flowing lines and curves that branch and intersect, creating a sense of movement and depth
- A rich and vivid chromatic intensity, using strong and saturated colors
- Rich and complex textures, created by using paints of different densities and consistencies
- A non-objective approach, without references to recognizable forms or representational elements
Some of Jackson Pollock's most famous works include:
- "No. 5, 1948" (1948)
- "Mural" (1943)
- "Autumn Rhythm (Number 30)" (1950)
- "One: Number 31, 1950"
- "The She-Wolf" (1943)
- "Lavender Mist: Number 1" (1950)
- "Blue Poles: Number 11" (1952)
- "Number 1A, 1948"
Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism
Jackson Pollock is widely considered to be one of the leading representatives of the well-known Abstract Expressionism movement in American painting. Abstract Expressionism was an artistic movement that emerged in the United States and Europe in the 1940s and 1950s, and is characterized by the use of non-objective shapes and intense colors to express emotions and ideas.
Jackson Pollock's way of creating radically broke with the tradition of figurative and representative painting, having created a purely abstract world, where gesture and the creative impulse were the main factors. Jackson Pollock transformed the relationship between artist and canvas, and the way painting could be done, by placing canvases on the ground face up and working with the whole body. His painting was seen as a form of psychological and spiritual self-expression, which reflected a quest for a deeper understanding of human nature and the world around him. Pollock's work was instrumental in the evolution of art history and the Abstract Expressionism movement due to his action painting techniques that continue to be influential among contemporary artists today.
What was the most expensive work by Jackson Pollock sold?
Jackson Pollock's most expensive work sold is "Number 17A", which sold in 2016 for $200 million, is considered one of the artist's most important works and sold for a record price for an American painter. It was acquired by collector David Geffen, in a private transaction carried out by Sotheby's art gallery.
The painting, made in 1948, is one of Pollock's first masterpieces, thus being a milestone in his production. In this 2.5mx 2.7m painting, Pollock used the action painting technique, incorporating black, blue and green paint, which created a rich texture of lines and shapes typical of his work. It is important to note that there are other works by Pollock that have also sold for record prices, such as "No. 5, 1948" sold in 2006 for US$ 140 million and "Number 4, 1951" sold in 2015 for US$ 58 million. These high prices show how much Pollock's work is valued and appreciated by the art world.
What was the relationship between Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner?
Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner were artistically and personally married. Both were important and influential artists in the abstract expressionist art movement in the United States.
Lee Krasner was a renowned artist before her marriage to Pollock, but after her marriage she focused more on supporting and promoting Pollock's work rather than working on her own art. He often helped Pollock prepare his canvases, supplying him with supports and paints, and he also helped to organize his exhibitions. Jackson Pollock also had a significant impact on Krasner's art. Although she had already worked in various forms of art throughout her career, it was after meeting Pollock, being exposed to the artistic environment and her "dripping" technique that Krasner also began to work with this technique, having developed her own distinct version of the technique. action painting art. This marriage was important both for their individual work and for the development of the abstract expressionist artistic movement in the USA.
The Jackson Pollock Controversies
There are some controversies surrounding the work and life of Jackson Pollock. Some critics have argued that his "dripping" technique was created by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros and that Jackson Pollock should not be referred to as the inventor. Although some similarities can be found, there are also many differences between the techniques of both artists and many historians consider Pollock to be the inventor of this technique.
Another controversy is related to the authenticity of some of his works. After Pollock's death, his wife, Lee Krasner, managed his artistic legacy and some works have been questioned as to their authenticity. This was especially relevant in relation to a large number of paintings that were sold as Pollock's work, but which some argue were not Pollock's creation.
In addition, Pollock's image as a wild and reckless man was also the subject of controversy. He was always portrayed as an alcoholic who often engaged in dangerous behavior, but some argue that this image is exaggerated and that he fell victim to artist stereotypes. Over the years many questions have been raised about the life and work of Jackson Pollock, but his importance and contribution to contemporary art is undeniable.
Jackson Pollock's Influence Today
Jackson Pollock's influence continues to be felt today, both in art and elsewhere. His "dripping" technique, in which he created paintings with canvases on the floor and throwing paint over them with quick, spontaneous movements, was revolutionary and has continued to inspire artists for several generations. His non-objective approach and his search for personal expression through artistic gesture are aspects that have been adopted and explored by many contemporary artists. In addition, Pollock has also influenced areas other than art, such as architecture, design and fashion. His technique was incorporated into interior design, furniture and decorative objects, and was also used in clothing and accessories. Another Pollock influence is the way in which he is seen as a symbol of American art and the individualistic and free spirit of the country. Jackson Pollock is seen as an icon of creative freedom and the ability to break artistic conventions. Without a doubt, Jackson Pollock's work and his unique approach to creating art continue to inspire and influence artists to this day.
