Abstract expressionism emerged as one of the most revolutionary art movements of the 20th century, fundamentally shifting the center of the art world from Paris to New York in the aftermath of World War II (1)(4). This uniquely American movement represented a dramatic departure from traditional representational art, emphasizing emotional expression and individual creativity over literal depiction (2)(5). The term "Abstract Expressionism" was first applied to American art in 1946 by art critic Robert Coates, though it initially carried contradictory implications—combining abstraction's removal of representation with expression's reliance on communicative symbols (4)(22). Today, abstract expressionist works continue to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts, commanding significant prices in both primary and secondary markets while influencing contemporary artists worldwide (23)(24).

Guy Lyman Fine Art carries a curated collection of modern, abstract, & abstract expressionist paintings.

The Historical Origins and Development of Abstract Expressionism

The roots of abstract expressionism can be traced to the profound social and cultural upheaval of the 1930s and 1940s (1)(2). The movement emerged from a unique confluence of factors: the immigration of European avant-garde artists fleeing fascism and war, the influence of Surrealist ideas about tapping the unconscious mind, and the desire among American artists to create something authentically American yet universally meaningful (1)(9). Key European artists like Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, André Masson, and Piet Mondrian sought refuge in the United States, bringing with them sophisticated modernist ideas that would profoundly influence the developing American art scene (1).

The first generation of Abstract Expressionists, including Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline, and Lee Krasner, matured during the Great Depression and were initially influenced by Social Realism and Regionalist movements (2)(4). However, by the late 1940s, these artists had abandoned figurative representation in favor of a new visual language that emphasized personal expression and psychological depth (1)(5). The movement officially began with Pollock's revolutionary drip paintings and de Kooning's gestural works in the late 1940s and early 1950s, establishing New York City as the new center of the international art world (4)(5).

The Abstract Expressionists were deeply influenced by Carl Jung's theories of the collective unconscious and existentialist philosophy, particularly the ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, which emphasized individual responsibility for creating meaning (9)(14). This philosophical foundation encouraged artists to explore universal themes through deeply personal expression, creating works that were intended to provoke profound emotional and spiritual responses in viewers (1)(2).

Defining Features of Abstract Expressionist Art

Abstract expressionist art is characterized by several distinctive features that distinguish it from earlier artistic movements (6). The works are predominantly non-representational, focusing on the expression of emotions, ideas, and inner experiences through abstract forms rather than depicting recognizable objects or figures (6). Artists emphasized spontaneity and gestural brushwork, valuing the physical act of creation and allowing their emotions and instincts to guide the application of paint (6).

The movement can be broadly divided into two main approaches: Action Painting and Color Field Painting (3)(9). Action painters, led by Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, attacked their canvases with expressive brush strokes, often working in a spontaneous, improvisatory manner (3). Pollock famously placed his canvas on the ground and danced around it, pouring paint directly from cans or trailing it from brushes and sticks, making the physical act of painting as important as the finished work (3)(16). Franz Kline exemplified this approach with his bold black and white compositions that emerged from projecting enlarged drawings onto walls (2).

Color Field painters, including Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, and Clyfford Still, took a different approach, creating simple compositions with large areas of color intended to produce contemplative or meditative responses in viewers (3)(17). These artists were deeply interested in achieving the "sublime" rather than the "beautiful," seeking to create works that would engulf viewers and inspire spiritual contemplation (1). Rothko's luminescent rectangles of color were specifically designed to provoke quasi-religious experiences, with the artist stating, "I paint big to be intimate" (1).

All Abstract Expressionist works shared certain characteristics: they were typically executed on a large scale to enhance visual impact and project monumentality, they displayed unified fields or networks of imagery in unstructured space, and they emphasized freedom of emotional expression and technical execution (5)(6). The artists also experimented extensively with materials and techniques, incorporating innovative methods such as staining raw canvas with diluted paint and using unconventional tools to apply paint (6)(19).

Approaching Abstract Expressionist Art as a Collector

For collectors and art appreciators, understanding abstract expressionist art requires a shift from traditional methods of art interpretation to a more personal, emotional engagement (12)(14). Unlike representational art that tells specific stories or depicts recognizable subjects, abstract expressionist works invite viewers to create their own meaning through individual interpretation and emotional response (14). The key to appreciating this art form lies in understanding that the process of interpretation is itself a creative act, making the viewer a participant in the artwork's completion (14).

When collecting abstract expressionist art, several factors should be considered to ensure quality and authenticity (13). Color relationships are crucial—look for works where colors enhance each other and demonstrate the artist's technical mastery and understanding of color theory (13). The application of materials and formal qualities of the work often carry the representational elements that would traditionally be found in subject matter (13). Scale and presence are also important considerations, as Abstract Expressionist works were designed to create immersive experiences that envelop the viewer (1).

The market for abstract expressionist art has shown remarkable growth, particularly for works by previously overlooked artists, especially women (24)(25). Female Abstract Expressionists like Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, and Mary Abbott have experienced significant market recognition in recent years, with prices rising substantially as their contributions to the movement gain proper acknowledgment (24)(25). The average auction price for Mary Abbott's work, for example, has risen by nearly 240 percent over the past five years (24).

Contemporary collectors should also consider the lasting influence of abstract expressionism on current artists (15)(23). The movement's emphasis on individual expression, emotional authenticity, and technical innovation continues to inspire artists like Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, and Cecily Brown, making abstract expressionist works relevant investments that connect historical significance with ongoing artistic dialogue (23).

Conclusion

Abstract expressionism represents far more than a historical art movement—it embodies a fundamental transformation in how art functions as a means of human expression and communication. Through their bold rejection of traditional representation and their embrace of pure emotional and spiritual expression, the Abstract Expressionists created a visual language that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences (15). For collectors and appreciators, engaging with abstract expressionist art offers an opportunity to participate in this ongoing dialogue between artist and viewer, where meaning emerges through personal interpretation rather than prescribed narrative (14). As the art market continues to recognize previously overlooked contributors to the movement, particularly women artists, and as contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from Abstract Expressionist innovations, this uniquely American art form maintains its position as one of the most significant and influential movements in modern art history (23)(25).

At Guy Lyman Fine Art, you can browse critically acclaimed abstract expressionist pieces by the gallery owner, as well as our entire collection of art from antique to contemporary.

Citations:

1. Abstract Expressionism - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
2. Abstract Expressionism Movement Overview - The Art Story
3. Abstract expressionism | Tate
4. Abstract expressionism - Wikipedia
5. Abstract Expressionism | Britannica
6. Abstract Expressionism In Art - Printed Editions
7. Key Abstract Expressionist Artists to Know for Abstract Expressionism
8. Abstract Expressionism and Other Modern Works: The Muriel Kallis Steinberg Newman Collection in The Metropolitan Museum of Art
9. Abstract Expressionism - Art Movement - Artland Magazine
10. The Collectors Guide to Abstract Art - The Miller Gallery
11. The Ultimate Guide to Abstract Expressionism - Masterworks
12. How to Start Collecting Abstract Art - A Beginner's Guide
13. Understanding Abstract Art: An Art Collector's Guide - The Artling
14. Abstract Expressionist Art for Dummies: A Beginner's Guide | TheCollector
15. An Overview: The Movement of Abstract Expressionism
16. A Comparison Of Abstract Expressionism And Color Field Painting
17. Color field - Wikipedia
18. Navigating the World of Abstract Art: A Collector's Guide - EMP Art
19. Abstract Expressionism: Second Generation Movement Overview
20. Second Generation Artists - Abstract Expressionism
21. First and Second Generation Abstract Expressionist Compositions
22. Abstract Expressionism - Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation
23. Breaking Boundaries: Abstract Expressionism Redefines Art
24. Primary Sales of Mary Abbott's Works Outpace Her Auction Prices. That Could Be Changing
25. Leading Women Abstract Expressionist Artists