Art & Art History ETDs

Publication Date

7-18-1978

Abstract

An examination is made of a select number of painters who are considered to be younger members of the Abstract Expressionist School. The study concentrates on the period 1950-1960 in New York City, but also examines the political, social and economic conditions of the United States and the world in the twentieth century. The first part of the paper discusses the rise of New York as an art center, the influence of World War II on the art community, the society in which these artists lived and worked, the role played by museums, galleries and co-ops and the response by critics. The second half examines in greater depth the influence of Pollock, de Kooning and other Abstract Expressionists on twelve artists. It is concluded that the second generation artists who are still painting at the present time have resolved the major dilemmas encountered by the first generation in a number of ways. These younger artists did not react against Abstract Expressionism; they explored, developed and transformed it. These transformations are examined in order to better understand the work of both generations.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Arts

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Department of Art and Art History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Nicolai Cikovsky Jr

Second Committee Member

Cleta Marie Downey

Third Committee Member

Peter Walch

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