Final answer:
Abstract expressionism is a true and significant art style that emerged in post-World War II America, particularly in New York, encompassing spontaneous and non-representational art concepts and influencing later art movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abstract expressionism is indeed recognized as an important style in the art world, and the statement is true. This art movement emerged post-World War II, primarily in New York, and marked a significant shift in the art community, placing New York at the forefront of the global art scene for the first time. Renowned figures such as Pollock, Rothko, de Kooning, and Motherwell were associated with this movement, which embraced concepts of spontaneity, improvisation, and a non-representational approach to art.
The style is known for its emotional intensity and has roots in German Expressionism, combining the expressive potential of the artists' psyche with the anti-figurative aesthetic of European abstract schools. Painting was viewed as an event and the canvas as an arena for action painting, while color-field painters valued the integrity of the picture plane. The movement had a substantial impact on the art world, influencing subsequent generations and artistic developments including Pop Art and Minimalism.
During the 1950s, Abstract Expressionism became a cultural symbol of American democracy and individualism, promoted even by the U.S. government as a reflection of the nation's values during the Cold War. While the movement's legacy continues to influence artists worldwide, it also prompted reactions that inspired new art forms that addressed the changing social and cultural landscape of the mid-twentieth century.
Abstract Expressionism's legacy and the diverse approaches of its artists suggest a transformative period in the history of art where artistic expression was both a personal and political statement, setting the stage for further avant-garde exploration.