Abstract Expressionism was a major art movement developed in New York during the 1940’s-1950’s. Resident artists responded to the Post WWII mood of anxiety, trauma, relief, sadness, and the call for social and political change. They harnessed a freedom of expression that would make America a new source of artistic innovation and inspire artists for decades.

These artists, largely painters, used a broad range of materials and radical approaches in their work. This was critical to the goal of searching ones unconscious to express their true self; emotions, memories, struggles, and concerns. These explorations aimed to find new truths, a new sense of individualism, and contribute to defining the “modern man”.

In the course of the last two years as part of the Abstract Expressionism Series at Pacific Art League, we have studied 45 different artists. We reviewed their personal histories, influences and focus, the materials and processes they used, and their life’s work in images.

This exhibit highlights the work of student artists who have been inspired by the Post War artists introduced in this course. They have worked to find new meanings in their work, explored new materials and worked in new ways….in the spirit of the Post WWII Abstract Expressionists!

Exhibition Runs Through October 25, 2022

Image Credit: Laura Shefler