Final answer:
The phrase 'fingers spread and dragged to smudge' pertains to a painting technique used in Abstract Expressionism called action painting, which involved spontaneous and physical gestures to create expressive visual effects on the canvas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'fingers spread and dragged to smudge' can be directly associated with the technique of action painting used in Abstract Expressionism. This style of art often utilized unconventional methods, such as the aforementioned technique, where artists would physically interact with the canvas, applying paint in a spontaneous, expressive manner. It wasn't just about creating an image but rather about the process of painting itself. The whole body could be involved, and the canvas was frequently placed on the ground to better accommodate these dynamic approaches. By spreading and dragging their fingers, the artists would alter and smudge the paint, adding texture and movement to the piece. These gestures were a physical manifestation of the artist's emotion and intensity during the creation process.