Jackson Pollock painted like no other. Why are both “abstract expressionism” and “action painting” good descriptions of Pollock’s work?








What similarities do Pollock’s later paintings have to his earlier drawings? How are they different?
For a period of time, Pollock’s paintings were purely abstract. Why was he so purposeful in removing representational images from his paintings?
Later, Pollock reintroduced figures into his paintings. How are these paintings similar to his earlier drip paintings?
Which paintings do you prefer, those with figures or those without? Why?
How are the paintings with figures similar to those that are completely abstract?
How are the composition and balance different between the two types of paintings?
Could either of these types of paintings mimic the composition of the other and maintain it’s integrity or be as successful?
Why is color important or unimportant in Pollock’s paintings?
What kind of emotion was Pollock expressing with his art?
Do you feel that same emotion when you look at them or something different?
All images courtesy Smithsonian American Art Museum
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