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Obsessed by Abstract Expressionism

Kathleen Rhee • Oct 30, 2021

Obsessed by Abstract Expressionism

 I do call myself an abstract expressionist painter, and I am definitely completely obsessed with this period in art and time. Last year I was thrilled to complete the study: In the Studio Postwar Abstract Painting, Museum Of Modern Art, New York. I want to share an exert from my final project 'Blue Poles' Number 11, 1952 by Jackson POLLOCK.

’Blue Poles’ is more than two metres high and almost five metres wide. I absolutely love this vibrant dynamic work, full of energy and movement. The complexity of layers, movement and colour allow the view to look for hours and always be discovering more. I have visited it many times growing up and it is always inspiring to see in person.


'Blue Poles’ by Jackson Pollack was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia for $2 million US dollars in 1973 under much controversy and criticism. Painted four years before Pollack’s death in 1956, the purchase price set a new record for Pollock and was at the time, the most expensive American painting ever sold.


'Blue Poles’ was painted at the height of Pollock’s career and fame, and is a perfect example of abstract expressionism action painting. Pollock has used his characteristic method of dripping, splattering and pouring fluid paint in a continuous stream onto the canvas from above, using sticks, dried brushes or syringes. Pollock allowed his full body movement to be engaged, and you can see his grand, sweeping lines of flung paint. The focus on the physical action is evident, Pollock’s physical arc of the arm as it swings across the canvas can be seen in the brightly coloured dry paint.


I highly recommend this short documentary on Jackson Pollock and the purchase of ‘Blue Poles’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMgz-p0jjBI&feature=youtu.be

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