A journey through abstract expressionism

As an avid art lover, I have always had a deep fascination with the abstract expressionist movement. Recently, I delved deeper into this world by reading Irving Sandler's groundbreaking work "The Triumph of American Painting: A History of Abstract Expressionism" from 1970. This book not only opened my eyes to the rich history and cultural impact of this art movement, but it also fundamentally changed my view of modern art. Let me take you on a journey through the pages of this fascinating book and show you why it is such an important work for anyone interested in the development of American painting.

Source: Neuberger Museum of Art

A new perspective on American art history

Sandler's book is far from a dry enumeration of facts and dates. It is a vivid narrative that places the rise of abstract expressionism in the context of post-war America. As a reader, you are taken to the vibrant art scene of New York in the 1940s and 1950s, where artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko developed their revolutionary ideas.

What personally touched me was how Sandler highlights the human side of these artists. He shows that they were not only geniuses but also ordinary people with doubts, fears, and ambitions. This makes the story accessible and relatable, even for readers who don't know much about art. I found it fascinating to read about Pollock's personal struggles with alcoholism, or how De Kooning struggled to gain recognition in a foreign country.

The main themes of abstract expressionism

Sandler's book is structured around several core themes that shaped the development of abstract expressionism:

1. The break with tradition: The book shows how the abstract expressionists consciously broke with European art traditions. They sought a new, typically American form of expression. I found this aspect particularly interesting, as it shows how art can function as a form of cultural declaration of independence.

2. The role of the subconscious: Sandler describes how artists like Pollock were inspired by surrealism and tried to express their subconscious directly on the canvas. This idea of 'automatic painting' fascinated me enormously. It reminded me of my own attempts to write spontaneously, without self-censorship.

3. The meaning of the gesture: A fascinating aspect is how the physical act of painting itself became a central theme in the work of many abstract expressionists. Sandler's descriptions of Pollock's 'action painting' were so vivid that I could almost feel the energy radiating from the canvas.

4. Color as emotion: Artists like Rothko used color in a new way to evoke direct emotional responses in the viewer. This aspect of abstract expressionism has strongly influenced my own appreciation of color in art. I now look at a Rothko differently - not as a simple composition of color fields, but as an emotional experience.

5. The influence of World War II: Sandler shows how the experiences of the war and the subsequent Cold War influenced the artists. This historical perspective helped me to better understand the urgency and intensity of their work.

A personal journey of discovery

As I read the book, I realized how many of my own ideas about art have been shaped by abstract expressionism. I still vividly remember my first visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where I stood face to face with Pollock's enormous "One: Number 31, 1950". The energy and freedom that radiated from that painting touched me deeply. It was as if I could feel the pure emotion of an artwork for the first time, without the filter of recognizable forms or subjects.

Sandler's book helped me to place that experience in a broader perspective. I began to understand why these artists sought such a radical break with the past and how their work was an expression of the post-war American spirit. It was not just a new style, but a new way of thinking about what art could be and do.

More than just painting

One of the strongest points of Sandler's book is that it shows how abstract expressionism was more than just a painting style. It was a cultural movement that influenced literature, music, and even politics. Sandler describes how the CIA even used abstract expressionism as a weapon in the Cold War, to demonstrate the cultural superiority of the West.

This broader perspective opened my eyes to how art and society influence each other. It made me think about the role of art in our current society. Can contemporary art movements still have such a large cultural impact? Or has our world become too fragmented for one dominant movement?

An accessible writing style

What I personally appreciate about Sandler's book is his ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and accessible way. He avoids complicated jargon and instead uses vivid descriptions and anecdotes to illustrate his points.

For example, when he talks about Pollock's 'drip painting' technique, he not only describes the end result but takes you through the process. You can almost see Pollock moving around the canvas lying on the ground, dripping and splattering paint in a kind of painterly dance. These vivid descriptions helped me to better understand the physical and emotional aspects of the painting process.

The relevance today

Although Sandler's book is over 50 years old, it remains surprisingly relevant. The questions that the abstract expressionists asked about the nature of art and expression are still current. In a time when digital art and NFTs are turning the art world upside down, it's fascinating to look back at an earlier period of radical change.

When I walk through a modern art gallery, I still see the influence of abstract expressionism. The freedom of expression, the use of color and gesture, the focus on the process of making - all these elements are still present in much contemporary art. It makes me wonder how future art historians will interpret our current period. Will they see connections to abstract expressionism that we can't see yet?

The artists and their work

Sandler's book delves deep into the key figures of abstract expressionism. He describes not only their work but also their personalities and relationships with each other. I found it fascinating to read about the intense friendships and rivalries between these artists.

Jackson Pollock, for example, is often seen as the embodiment of abstract expressionism. Sandler describes how Pollock's 'drip painting' technique emerged from a deep personal crisis and search for a new way of expression. I was impressed by how Sandler related Pollock's work to his turbulent personal life, without resorting to sensationalism.

Willem de Kooning, another key figure, is portrayed by Sandler as an artist who constantly struggled between abstraction and figuration. His famous 'Women' series, which I had always found intriguing, gains new depth in Sandler's description. I began to understand how De Kooning tried to blur the line between abstraction and representation.

Mark Rothko's work is described by Sandler as a quest for transcendence through color. I remember how, inspired by Sandler's words, I stood in front of a Rothko painting for a long time and let myself be immersed in the subtle color transitions. It was an almost meditative experience.

The legacy of abstract expressionism

One of the most valuable aspects of Sandler's book is how he maps out the legacy of abstract expressionism. He shows how this movement paved the way for later developments in art, from pop art to minimalism.

I found it interesting to read how artists like Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, whom I had always admired, responded to and broke with abstract expressionism. It made me realize how each artistic movement is both a reaction to what came before and a springboard for what comes after.

A must-read for art lovers

"The Triumph of American Painting" is more than just a history book. It is a window into an exciting period in art history, a time when artists were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in painting. For me personally, reading this book has deepened my appreciation for abstract expressionist art. It has helped me to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper meaning and context of these works. I now look at a Pollock or a De Kooning differently - not just as interesting compositions, but as expressions of a specific moment in history and of deep personal experiences. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or just curious about modern art, Sandler's book offers an accessible and engaging introduction to one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. It invites you to look at art with new eyes and perhaps even push your own creative boundaries.

After reading this book, I feel inspired to learn more about other art movements and their historical context. It has made me realize how important it is to view art not in isolation, but as part of a broader cultural and historical movement. Who knows, it might even inspire you to pick up a brush yourself! I know it has encouraged me to be freer and more expressive in my own creative expressions. Abstract expressionism teaches us that art is not about perfection or realism, but about authentic expression. And that's a lesson we can all take to heart, whether we're artists or not.