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Today We Will:
Learn about Abstract Expressionism
Intro our project
Create Artist Investigation (Artist Study)
Homework: Bring object to next class
If you choose an object that has meaning to you and then create an artwork that shows the feelings or essence of that object rather than what it physically looks like, you are working in a way that connects to Abstract Expressionism.
Abstract Expressionist artists believed art should express emotions, moods, and ideas through colors, marks, and shapes instead of realistic images. They often used bold brushstrokes, strong colors, and abstract forms to communicate what could not be easily shown in words.
This approach also connects to earlier Expressionism, where artists changed or distorted the look of objects to show how they felt about them. Both movements focus on personal meaning and emotional impact over realistic detail.
Other genres that could connect to this theme:
Symbolism: artists used images and colors to represent inner emotions, dreams, or spiritual ideas rather than the outside world.
Surrealism: artists explored the subconscious and dream imagery, often transforming ordinary objects into something with deeper psychological meaning.
Minimalism: focused on reducing objects to their essential forms, sometimes showing the “essence” of a thing through simplicity.
Conceptual Art: placed more emphasis on the idea or meaning behind the object rather than how it physically appears.
Let’s learn more about Abstract Expressionism in the video below. Since this is an IB level course, some of the imagery will be mature. This is part of art historical analysis and is important for understanding all aspects of art and art-making. You should expect to encounter a wide range of visual topics in this course, which may include depictions of nudity, personal intimacy, violence, and other sensitive themes.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable with these topics, please reach out to me so we can have a conversation. My goal is for you to grow as an artist and thinker while also feeling supported in this classroom.
8m
Abstract Expressionism was a movement in New York in the 1940s where artists wanted to make art that was both abstract and deeply emotional. Inspired by Surrealist ideas of tapping into the unconscious mind, many of their works felt spontaneous and unplanned.
The movement is often described in two main types:
Action Painting: energetic, dramatic brushstrokes and gestures that show the artist’s movement on the canvas (for example Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning).
Color Field Painting: large areas of color used to create mood and atmosphere, often calm or meditative (for example Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman).
However, Abstract Expressionism is not limited to just these two. Some artists developed gestural abstraction, emphasizing bold brushstrokes as a record of the artist’s hand. Others explored lyrical abstraction, using softer, more fluid marks to suggest emotion in a different way. A few also experimented with materials and textures, combining abstraction with collage or unconventional surfaces.
Overall, Abstract Expressionism was about finding new ways to use abstraction to communicate feeling, energy, and presence, with artists each approaching this goal in their own style.
Below is a website which can give further insight into Abstract Expressionism, along with some possible techniques associated with this movement of art-making. LINK
Student Examples
Here are some student examples of the project we are starting. These are just to get your ideas flowing.
We will dive into the art-making more next class.
Want to see how this loosely translates to a Digital Portfolio? Check out this exemplar example from a previous student HERE. While the exact labels of her Digital Portfolio submission are slightly different than yours will be the documentation of practice, experimentation and connections are similar!
The example below is seen detailed via link above...
Artist Investigation (Artist Study) Screen:
Add to Digital Portfolio Section 2: Connections
The artist you select should be a relevant working or historical artist. If you find an image you love but cannot find the artist name or where the work is on display this is likely not a strong selection. To investigate the artist you need to be able to know the materials used, the context of when the work was made, the process of creation etc. I suggestion you start your search on national museum websites to ensure your work fits these expectations.
https://artsandculture.google.com/ - https://www.metmuseum.org/ - https://www.britishmuseum.org/ - https://www.artic.edu/
There are 100's of options but above are a few to get you started.
What to include:
Write the artist’s name and short background (time, place, style or movement etc.)
Select 1-2 artworks with images and basic details (title, date, medium)
CITATIONS are required
Describe what you see using elements and principles of art (color, line, balance, contrast, etc.)
Consider annotating over the top of the image to show, not just tell.
Explain the meaning, mood, or intention you think the artist is communicating
Consider pulling color swatches or zooming in on details that support your thinking
Reflect on why you chose this artist and how their work connects to your own inquiry or ideas
Consider looking at past artworks you've made or direct connections you may use in this project
Add your sketches or visual experiments that show what you learned from the artist
Consider remaking all or part of the image. What steps might you take in your attempts to recreate the work? What materials might you need to get? What techniques might you need more practice with?
Include simple citations for images or information
Below are some strong student examples of artist investigations.
What are some things you notice?
How do artists influnce our own artwork?
AP Student Example of Screens with strong artist inspiration
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