The Limitlessness of Abstract Expressionism
Willem de Kooning (American, born in the Netherlands, 1904–1997)
Attic, 1949
The exhibition “Abstract Expressionism and Other Modern Works” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases the works of artists such as Willem De Kooning, Claes Oldenburg, and Jack Tworkov. Abstract expressionism was an art movement that featured surreal and non-traditional works. The exhibition shows many forms of abstract expressionism including the painting “Nijinsky” by Franz Kline, the sculpture “Firebird” by Theodore Roszak, and even Alexander Calder’s mobile “Four Directions.” “Abstract Expressionism and Other Modern Works” is an excellent exhibition that emphasizes the limitlessness of abstract expressionism. The creative structures and vibrant colors of “Abstract Expressionism and Other Modern Works” make the exhibition aesthetically pleasing as well as intellectually stimulating.
In his painting “Landscape,” Robert Goodnough uses thick paint and adds texture to the work. Upon hearing the painting’s title, one will look for objects to justify it. It is possible for one to see different images, perhaps mountains or clouds, in the painting but its abstract form leaves much to the imagination. “Landscape” is open to limitless interpretation and shows how abstract expressionism challenges the observer to create a work’s context.
The painting “October” by Kenneth Noland features circles within circles, creating an effect that is both hypnotizing and threatening. The size of the painting is large enough to give observers the feeling of being engulfed by the circles. Though simple at first glance, “October” is very complex and precise. The exact spacing between the perfect circles shows Noland’s artistic skill and dexterity. “October” is an example of an abstract expressionist painting that allows the viewer to lose him or herself within the painting.
Richard Artschwager’s painting “Bread” employs small touches and odd textures to create a portrait of a loaf of bread. The loaf of bread is the subject of the painting and can be viewed as overly simple compared to the more complex works of abstract expressionism. By creating “Bread,” Artschwager challenged the grandness of abstract expressionism. His painting is almost humorous in its straightforwardness but still incites much debate about its meaning and purpose. “Bread” shows how simplicity can be more though-provoking than complexity and that abstract expressionism knows no conformities.
“Abstract Expressionism and Other Modern Works” is a compelling exhibition that offers a wide array of works by prominent artists. A strength of the exhibition is the choice of the displayed works since they can be appealing and accessible to nearly all. The exhibition captures the limitless nature of abstract expressionism by featuring different types of abstract expressionist art. Viewing the works allows one’s mind to run free from conventional thought. When seen as a whole, the exhibition is a fine example of art as a form of expression and liberation, not only for the artist but for the audience as well.