The New York School of Artists has participated in creating contemporary art from the early 1940s in and around New York City. The New York School marked a shift when the art world’s center moved from Europe to the United States.
One of the major movements that emerged from the New York school was Abstract Expressionism. This is a significant art movement that started after World War II. Minimalism is another art movement that is credited to start in New York City.
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Artistic Movements Birthed by the New York School
The New York School, a collective of artists active in and around New York City from the early 1940s, played a pivotal role in the evolution of contemporary art. This period marked a monumental shift as the epicenter of the art world transitioned from Europe to the United States. Among the most notable movements that originated from the New York School was Abstract Expressionism, a groundbreaking art movement that gained momentum post-World War II.
Additionally, Minimalism, another influential movement, also found its roots in the creative milieu of New York City. This exploration delves into these and other significant movements that emerged from the New York School, showcasing their impact on the trajectory of modern art.
Even though pop art originally started in Britain, many considered it an American movement because it was produced based on American culture.
The New York school included an informal group of American poets, painters, dancers, and musicians active in New York City in the 1950s and 60s. So, even though we mainly think of this movement as one of art, it encompasses many other types of art, such as poetry, dancing, and music.
Read on as we explore more of these art movements and the New York School of Art.
Abstract Expressionism and the New York School
Abstract Expressionism is one of the most important art movements after World War II. The New York School influenced the abstract expressionism movement.
Abstract Expressionism became the predominant Western painting movement during the 1950s. Some of the most prominent American abstract expressionist painters include Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Franz Kline.
Abstract Expressionism was the first artistic movement that entirely shifted the center of the Western Art world from Europe to America and, more importantly, New York City. It also shifted the art style as many Abstract Expressionist artists used new synthetic industrial paints, large-scale canvas, and individualized abstract styles.
As abstract Expressionism was the first truly American art movement to come out of New York City, critics were split about this movement as much as other past art movements such as Impressionism. Many art critics discounted Abstract Art.
Art critics like Clement Greenberg (1909 – 1994) said it was an advanced Western art form.
To the horror of many in the art world in Europe, Greenberg was telling them that the great art of Europe was no longer being produced in Europe but in New York City. Greenberg felt if you were an artist, the place to be was New York and not Paris or London.
Abstract Expressionism also owes its alliances to collectors like Peggy Guggenheim and curators at the MoMA such as Alfred Barr, who helped Abstract Expressionism be on its way as a genuine American art movement. Even though the work was not popular with the American public then, these collectors saw the value of Abstract Expressionism art.
Action Painting
When speaking about the New York School and Abstract Expressionism, we also need to discuss a technique many Abstract Expressionists use called action painting. Action painting, sometimes called Gestural abstraction, is a painting style where the paint is dripped, splashed, or smeared on the canvas.
This kind of application is very different than other kinds of painting, where the paint is carefully applied to the canvas. Though this painting has been seen in Europe, it is closely linked to the Abstract Expressionism movement.
Minimalism Art And The New York School
Minimalism Art is another art movement credited to coming out of New York School. Minimalism, which started in the late 1960s, is characterized by extreme forms of simplicity. The art usually comprises simple geometric shapes such as squares or triangles.
Minimalism felt that art should have its own reality and not imitate other things. With Minimalism, no attempt is made to represent any reality. The artist wants the viewer to only respond to what is before them. It is a kind of what you see is what you get kind of attitude for art.
Pop Art (Britain and New York)
Even though pop art started in Britain in the mid-1950s and later went to America in the late 1950s, many people still associate pop art with New York City. New York City created a different pop-art type than the British one.
British pop art is best defined as the artist looking at the art from a culturally outside perspective. They are looking at the American culture, particularly Hollywood, from an outside view of not living or working in Hollywood or the United States.
The American artists were inspired by what they saw and their experiences within the United States culture. So, American pop art in America is more defined by the culture within the United States. This was one of the main differences between American and British pop art.
This is also why many people consider pop art to have emerged for American Pop Art really started in Britain. But Pop Art is worth mentioning as the New York School influenced it.
The New York School has had a tremendous effect on the art world. The New York School put America and New York on the map a vital art center for the world; the New York School also brought us some unique and creative forms of artistic expression. Many of the most well-known and great American artists were part of this New York School.
Abstract Art, Minimalism, and Pop Art are all great and inspiring art movements. Anita Louise Art is a website dedicated to art education, great artists around the world, and inspiring others to find and create their art. #ArtThatMakesYouSmile #ArtThatMakesYouHappy
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New York School of Artists?
The New York School of Artists refers to a group of avant-garde artists active in and around New York City from the early 1940s. This collective marked a pivotal shift as the center of the art world transitioned from Europe to the United States.
What is Abstract Expressionism, and how did it emerge from the New York School?
Abstract Expressionism is a post-World War II art movement characterized by spontaneous and non-representational expression. Emerging from the New York School, artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning played key roles in its development.
Who were the prominent figures associated with Abstract Expressionism from the New York School?
Prominent figures associated with Abstract Expressionism from the New York School include Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline, and Barnett Newman, among others.
What distinguishes the New York School’s approach to Abstract Expressionism from other art movements?
The New York School’s Abstract Expressionism is characterized by its emphasis on spontaneous, gestural brushwork and the exploration of emotional intensity, often conveyed through large-scale canvases.
Did any other major art movements emerge from the New York School?
Yes, besides Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism is another significant art movement that originated in New York City and can be traced back to the influence of the New York School.
What is Minimalism, and how did it evolve from the New York School?
Minimalism is an art movement characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a focus on form. Emerging from the New York School, artists like Donald Judd and Frank Stella played key roles in the development of Minimalism.
How did the New York School contribute to the development of Pop Art?
While not a direct product of the New York School, the artistic environment it fostered contributed to the emergence of Pop Art in the 1950s and 1960s. Pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein were influenced by the avant-garde atmosphere of the New York School.
Were there any specific events or institutions associated with the New York School’s development?
The Cedar Tavern, a popular gathering place for artists in Greenwich Village, played a crucial role in the social and intellectual exchange that fueled the development of the New York School.
Related Questions
How Do Art Movements Begin?
Understanding art movements is not just important for the artist but also for anyone interested in art. We can learn many things from the art movements that will help us understand history, art techniques, art themes, and how art is created. To truly understand art, we need to understand art movements.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading How Do Art Movements Begin?.
Why Are Art Movements Important?
Understanding art movements is not just crucial for the artist but also for anyone interested in art. We can learn many things from the art movements that will help us understand history, art techniques, art themes, and how art is created. To truly understand art, we need to understand art movements.
You can discover more by reading Why Are Art Movements Important? by clicking here.
