Jackson Pollock: Phaidon Focus by Harrison, Helen (2014) Hardcover

by Helen A. Harrison

The perfect introduction to the life and work of Jackson Pollock. This volume provides invaluable insight into the life and work of Jackson Pollock, one of the commanding figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement. The pioneering drip technique of Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) introduced the notion of Action Painting, where the canvas became the space with which the artist would actively engage.Reminiscent of the Surrealist notions of the subconscious and automatic painting, Pollock’s abstract works cemented his reputation as the most critically championed proponent of Abstract Expressionism. His visceral engagement with emotions, thoughts and other intangibles gives his abstract imagery extraordinary immediacy, while his skilful use of fluid pigment, applied with dance-like movements and sweeping gestures that seldom actually touched the surface, broke decisively with tradition.At first sight, Pollock’s vigorous method appears to create chaotic labyrinths, but upon close inspection his strong rhythmic structures become evident, revealing a fascinating complexity and deeper significance. Far from being calculated to shock, Pollock’s liquid medium was crucial to his pictorial aims. It proved the ideal vehicle for the mercurial content that he sought to communicate ‘energy and motion made visible – memories arrested in space."As the director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, Helen A. Harrison has worked with great dedication and enormous intelligence to preserve for generations to come the site where these two masters of twentieth-century art created much of their most important work. In her new book on Pollock, she has drawn upon her vast expertise on the subject to write an excellent and extremely engaging introduction to the artist and his art."- Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, co-authors of Jackson An American Saga

Genres: Art

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Helen A. Harrison is an art historian, museum director and journalist who specializes in modern American art. From 1978-2006, she wrote art reviews and feature articles for the Long Island section of The New York Times. She is currently the director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton, New York. The museum, a National Historic Landmark, is the former home and studio of Jackson Pollock (1912-1956)
and Lee Krasner (1908-1984), two of the foremost Abstract Expressionist painters.

Reviews

[Brian Kovesci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this series. I'll probably read all of them except for Warhol's because whatever Warhol.