Essay Two
5-4-13
Influential Artists
Throughout the centuries there have been many influential artists that brought us new discoveries, techniques, and magnificent works of art, however, I believe the art depicted by Andy Warhol, Marlyn Diptych (1962), silk screen on canvas, The Tate Gallery, London. Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm Number 30 (1950) Oil on canvas, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother (1936) Gelatin-silver print. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. are three prime examples of art that best represent our modern world today. Jackson Pollock was born in Cody, Wyoming, in 1912 and was adopted by his neighbors shortly after his biological parents passed away. While in high school Pollock attended Manual Arts high School in California where he became interested in art through Native American culture with his father. Upon graduation he then moved to New York City to continue his art studies at the Art Students League in New York. Pollock in New York began to paint using semiabstract techniques. Abstract art used non-figurative or non-representational ideas to display their ideas. Pollock however quickly fell victim to the great depression. Working for the Federal Art Project funded by the government helped employ thousands of people including artists such as Pollock. However, Pollock quickly fell into a depression and turned to alcohol and quickly
struggled with alcoholism. Desperate for help, Pollock turned to Jungian psychology which encourages those to search for answers through the unconscious mind. It is with this revelation that we come to see today Pollocks true inner unconsciousness come to life and his works of art blossom. “I am particularly impressed with their concept of the source of art being the unconscious.” (Pg 394 Perry) Now with the stage set, Pollock gives birth to action painting. “On the floor I am more at ease. I