Critical Writing Example ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM: MEN USING THEIR MA NESS TO CREATE Intr!"#cti!

n$T%e&i&: Typically the use of expression has been a common motive or tool used by artists to create work. Depression, family struggles, and drug or alcohol addictions seem to also aide in some of the more popular artworks of our time. These topics mixed with the need to use extreme personal expression, a sense of spontaneity, and powerful explorations of mediums is the basic definition behind Abstract Expressionism. As many artists do, men like Willem de ooning, !ackson "ollock, and Arshile #orky used their own personal lives and struggles to create intense and symbolic works that seemed nearly meaningless to most viewers. $owever, the use of emotion and way each of these men personali%ed his work drew audiences in and people seemed to relate more easily to it. &t is possible that these men used their art to express hidden or repressed memories. This would lead us to understand Abstract Expressionism as a sort of early onset use of art therapy. Re'lecti(e Statement & personally feel Art $istory is a huge part of students' learning. & have always made my best effort to learn as much as possible in the means of all things Art, and that includes the history. nowing history, facts, and information in regards to artists and their ideas helps students understand how to appreciate art in a whole different sense. (esearch papers provide a perfect example of how to get students fully invested in learning. )pending time researching nearly always provided me with more information than & originally had known and even sparked even more interest in the sub*ect or sub*ects. & choose to write about Abstract Expressionism and the most notable artists of the movement because the ideas, concepts, and motives highly intrigued me. & learned what motivated these men and sometimes being able to relate to an artist provides a sort of helpful push and often our motivations are similar to theirs. This can provide students with more incentive to create, as well as teach the students how to analy%e and critic artwork. Art $istory can be incorporated into an art class in several different forms. +asic knowledge about facts and history, research concerning artists, and even mimicked pro*ects will connect the students to artists they might admire, making the entire process more relevant. ,ikewise, when it comes to teaching students about Abstract Expressionism & think it becomes important to introduce them to the idea of self-expression. Adolescents might find the topic interesting because it promotes art as an outlet and therapeutic way to cope with daily life.