WEB SITE PROJECT (US History) - Research Paper Example

The 1940s was an important time in American History since there were many crucial events happening that time. The second World War began and ended within this decade. Nevertheless, it was an opportunity for America to rebuild its economy after the Great Depression. Social conditions were also changed as women played key roles in the workplace since men went to war. In addition to this, this decade saw the rise to power of United States and Russia which launched the Cold War. These events also shaped the culture of the country as a group of artists introduced Abstract Impressionism in the visual arts scene.

An influential American artist during that time was Jackson Pollock. It was in the middle of the 1940s when Pollock introduced his drip method which immediately attracted the attention of the American public since it was unconventional. The drip method defied the conventional use of the easel for painting, instead, stick and stiff brushes were used by Pollock. The drip method of painting can be considered as the origin of action painting which is popularly held annually is public museums. Moreover, Pollock painted on the floor, not in the traditional upright position.

Again, he was making a statement, trying to defy the traditional method practiced during his time. It can also be inferred from the presentation that Pollack achieved cult status since he was credited for changing the face of art through American methods. The website chosen is an article about Jackson Pollock. This article was chosen over other websites since it portrays and analyzes not only the works of the man but the man himself too.The article titled “ Last Dance” is an art review of the works done by Pollock throughout his career.

It was titled “Last Dance” since the critic sees Pollock as a graceful dancer when executing his paintings. As Haber claims “He laid it on with care, in dabs of black and skeins of intense color. He let it run off as he circled a canvas, as if it flowed from the motion of his body” ( paragraph 1 ). This article highlights Pollock’s genius in combining murals and drama as expressed by the use of Cubism, similar to that of Mexican muralists. After criticizing Pollock’s self-portrait, the critic then narrates the interesting and exciting journeys of Pollock into his life as an artist.

The critic considers Pollock a rebel in expressing Abstract Art through his ( Pollock’s) extensive use of drippings that seem to be random but would converge later and produce a work of Art. In fact Haber’s critic of Pollock works was satirical since asserted that his style was between “ Impressionism and Sunday Painting” ( paragraph 3). Nevertheless, Haber salutes Pollock’s ability to scrawl which is an indicator of maturity in artists. Despite these admirable comments of Haber, he still tries to psychoanalyze Pollock as he constantly inserts bits of the artist’s life in his article.

Apparently, Pollock’s art is an expression of his grief and losses in life that can be attributed to his being an alcoholic. The article achieved a balance by citing the role of Lee Krasner in enhancing Pollock’s life as an artist. Aside from being a duty bound wife struggling to cover his alcoholic husband, Haber relates that she was instrumental in introducing Pollock to Cubism. But the more refreshing part of the review was Haber’s analysis of how Pollock gained acceptance of the feminine side of art which is undoubtedly an influence of his wife.

Later in the article, Haber analyzes how Pollock tackles drawing as an artist, wondering he how he really began drawing lines as a child. According to Haber, Pollock does not respect the limitations of the canvas and makes the white canvas a” stark plane, fully apart from the medium”. Lastly, Haber ends his article with a conclusion that Pollock has not really learned drawing after all but his works stand as great as any contemporary artist including that of his wife.Indeed, the website is highly recommended to young artists who are looking for inspiration and innovation.

Through the critics’ insights, one would not only have respect but admiration for Jackson Pollock, an artist who defied tradition and contributed to postmodern art.Source : Haber, John. Last Dance. Accesed from