Final answer:
Abstract Expressionism is characterized by large canvases, an all-over approach, and a powerful use of color, which often gives the impression of spontaneity. Artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning each demonstrate these features through their unique approaches to painting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Features of Abstract Expressionism
Abstract Expressionism is a significant art movement that became prominent post-World War II, particularly in America. It brought forward a new way of abstract painting that was deeply expressive and unique to each artist. There are three common features that can be identified in Abstract Expressionism:
- Large Canvases: Artists favored using large canvases, which allowed for a more dynamic and impactful presence. This bold scale made the artworks physically demanding and typically required the viewer to engage with the piece from multiple angles or at a distance.
- All-Over Approach: The application of paint across the entire surface of the canvas with equal importance diverged from traditional compositions. This technique created a sense of unity and continuity in the artwork, eliminating hierarchical relationships within the picture plane.
- Color and Impression of Spontaneity: While each artist had a distinct approach to color, many used it to convey emotional intensity. The appearance of spontaneity in these works evoke the action and the physicality of the painting process, despite often being the result of careful planning.
These characteristics can be seen in the works of Jackson Pollock, who is known for his action painting, where the act of painting itself is as important as the finished work. Mark Rothko used color fields to evoke emotional responses, while Willem de Kooning's paintings combined figuration and abstraction. Each artist's deviation from realism towards an abstract presentation is a hallmark of the movement.