Abstract Expressionism and Realism - Essay Example

Running head: EXPRESSIONISM AND REALISM Comparison between Expressionism and Realism using Art Criticism Steps Institution Name Comparison between Abstract Expressionism and Realism using Art Criticism Steps Describe: Abstract Expressionism according to Serge Guilbaut “was the freedom of expression: the freedom to create controversial works of art, the freedom symbolized by action painting” (Maxwell, 2001). It is a technique in which emotions or real life objects and events are expressed indirectly or abstractly.

It was a product of post-World War II art movement in America. Jackson Pollock is one of the pioneers of this art form. Realism is defined in the Encyclopedia Britannica as “the accurate, detailed, unembellished depiction of nature or of contemporary life” (Campbell, 2011). Realism implies the depiction of everyday life scenes as close to reality as possible. Realism movement in arts gained popularity in the mid-nineteenth century and opposed Romanticism. Gustave Courbet is regarded as the forebear of realistic art.

Analysis: In abstract expressionism, the artist uses aggressive lines and broad movements (Maxwell, 2001). The bold mixing of colors is also a prominent element in this art form (Maxwell, 2001). The Stenographic Figure (1942) by Jackson Pollock is an important example of this art form. In its complete contrast, realistic art depicts life and objects on the basis of their outward appearance (Campbell, 2011). Every stroke, color combination, and expression depend on the direct observation of an artist (Campbell, 2011).

The Stone Breakers (1849) by Gustave Courbet is the best example of realistic art. Interpretation: Imaginative idealization constitutes the basic theme of abstract expressionism. There are three approaches to interpret it (Loughlin, 2011).  The action painting or gesture abstraction approach involves spontaneous dripping and splashing of colors. Abstract Impressionism involves small strokes and a focused approach. Third approach is a symbol-based expression through indefinite images and involves well-defined lines and selective colors.

On the contrary, realism rejects this approach in favor of a purely natural depiction of events or objects (Campbell, 2011). It depends upon how an artist feels about a particular situation. There is a wide variety of expressions and emotions that could be depicted in logical arts (Campbell, 2011).  Expressing social conditions is a common theme behind a realistic approach. Judgment: Abstract expressionism and realism are contrasting art forms with a common theme working in the background i-e freedom of expression.

These forms represent the evolution of visual arts as it redirected its focus from classical themes and romanticism, to addressing social issues and everyday life situations. There is a sharp contrast in interpreting styles of realism and abstract expressionism. Realistic art is easier to understand and interpret because it is a representation of life in its true form. While abstract expressionism implies the use of diverse symbols and complex lines for portraying personal observation or emotions.

References Campbell, H. M. (2011). Advances in democracy: From the french revolution to the present-day european union. The Rosen Publishing Group. Loughlin, J. O. (2011). Flopsided conversations. John OLoughlin. Maxwell, R. (2001). Culture works: The political economy of culture. University of Minnesota Press.