The devastation of World War II and the subsequent Cold War, undoubtedly creating a climate of uncertainty and anxiety, has prompted artists around the world to explore new ways of expressing their emotions and experiences, called abstract expressionism. Formerly influenced by the great depression, abstract expressionism has made a comeback, overtaking paintings, sculptures, photography, novels, you name it! 

This post War art movement is also inspired by surrealism. It explores the unconscious and spontaneous creation methods.  Surrealism itself came around in 1924 but due to turmoil and ghost of anxiety hovering around at the moment, it seems abstract expression is the best way to relieve it. 

An interview with Lawrence Alloway, a Critic and curator, had emphasized the validity of popular culture, arguing that it was as serious and worthwhile as high culture. He coined the term "mass popular art", or in other words “pop art”. 

"THE ARTS AND THE MASS MEDIA"

(Cited from warholstars.org)

Now gaining a bit of momentum, The Civil Rights movement is sparking more landmarks and court decisions!

Sweatt V Painter

Heman Marion Sweatt, an African American, was denied admission to the University of Texas School of Law due to his skin. This led him to sue the university and argue that the separate law school offered to Black students was inherently unequal, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.  As of now, court systems are in favor of Sweatt's side, deeming his claim of the issue violating the fourteenth amendment being nothing but true. 

This Case effectively shut down the separate but equal doctrine in the education system by encouraging supreme court to require graduate and professional schools to admit black students. 

The Sweatt V Painter Case is a significant landmark for African American history but how does this play into art? 

Besides now having the separate but equal doctrine delt with, this also indirectly paves way for more inclusive and diverse artistic landscapes.  A wider range of voices and artist from all backgrounds can be heard and expressed through art now that there is a chance for them to. More diverse arts and cultural paintings blossom in the art industry involving Abstract Painting, Color field painting and Action Painting.