Final answer:
In the 1940s, African-American and other artists shifted from social realism to abstraction, notably abstract expressionism, influenced by the war's aftermath and European artists immigrating to the U.S. This movement, centered in New York City, embraced spontaneity and emotional expressiveness, using dynamic color and techniques to reflect individual experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the aftermath of World War II, African-American artists began to embrace a more global perspective and, along with other artists of the era, transitioned from social realism to abstraction. Notable examples such as Barbara Chase-Riboud, Edward Clark, and Beauford Delaney expanded their artistic expressions, moving away from depicting social realities to exploring abstract expressionism, a style shaped by the emotional and intellectual experiences of the artists. The shift from social realism to abstraction allowed them to break away from traditional forms and assert a unique visual language that encompassed their personal and, at times, collective experiences.
The influence of European artists who immigrated to the United States, combined with the spirit of innovation and the rejection of traditional aesthetics following the chaos of war, propelled New York City to the forefront of the art world, replacing Paris as the epicenter. The resulting Abstract Expressionist movement reflected a dynamic and spontaneous approach to painting, where the act of painting itself became a part of the canvas's 'event'.
Color played a significant role in the work of these artists, with hues used not merely to represent reality but to convey a sense of movement, emotion, and action on the canvas. The application of paint through broad brushstrokes, and techniques such as dripping or pouring, imbued their works with kinetic energy, making each piece an individual expression of the artist's inner world.