Abstract expressionism

Abstract expressionism is a pictorial movement which advocates the representation of emotions and feelings notably through abstract shapes. In other words, it encourages subjectivity and spontaneity in artistic creation. From this ensued works that broke with representation, charged with the emotionalism of its creator and where his gestural movements could come to the fore.

Abstract expressionism appeared shortly after World War II in 1946 in the United States at a New York exhibit. This event caused quite a stir, as it incurred the wrath of the Republican Party which saw in it a certain form of communist propaganda. The figureheads of the movement were Arshile Gorky, Franz Kline, Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock.