Jackson Pollock and the "Curse"

Jackson Pollock, a central figure in the abstract expressionist movement, is renowned not just for his drip paintings but also for his tumultuous personal life and the controversial legacy he left behind. His method, often termed "action painting," involved energetically splashing or throwing paint onto a horizontal surface, which was revolutionary at the time and had a lasting impact on the art world.

Personal Life and Tragic Death:

Pollock's life was marked by emotional instability and alcoholism, which contributed both to his artistic intensity and his personal struggles. His relationship with Ruth Kligman, who survived the car crash that killed Pollock in 1956, adds a personal and tragic layer to his story. The crash not only ended Pollock's life at the age of 44 but also left a lasting scar on Kligman and ended the life of another passenger, Edith Metzger.

Jackson Pollok - Number 17

Art Legacy and the "Curse":

"The Curse of Jackson Pollock: The Truth Behind the World's Greatest Art Scandal" seems to delve into a complex narrative involving Jackson Pollock, one of the most influential abstract expressionist artists of the 20th century. The story centers around Ruth Kligman, who was once Pollock's mistress and a witness to the tragic car accident that ended his life. She introduces the concept of a "Pollock curse," suggesting that the art scene around Pollock's work has been plagued with controversies, including artists, dealers, and criminals connected to the trade of his art.

In 2005, a significant event occurred when thirty-two artworks, potentially by Pollock, were discovered in a storage locker belonging to Alex Matter, whose father was a friend of Pollock. This discovery prompted the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, which had ceased authenticating new works since 1996, to resume its authentication efforts. The narrative also hints at a broader impact of this curse on individuals involved in authenticating and researching Pollock's work, suggesting a lingering and ominous influence extending beyond his death.

The mention of a curse, while likely metaphorical, encapsulates the ongoing controversies and mystique surrounding Pollock's legacy, including disputes over the authenticity of artworks attributed to him and the personal calamities experienced by those close to him. This story appears to blend personal history, art history, and a sense of mystery or supernatural elements, reflecting on how the legacy of a towering artistic figure can continue to influence and unsettle lives decades after his death.

Pollock-Krasner Foundation:

The Pollock-Krasner Foundation plays a crucial role in this narrative. Established by Lee Krasner, Pollock’s widow and a significant artist in her own right, the foundation supports artists with grants and also manages Pollock's legacy. Their decision to cease authenticating artworks in 1996, and then to resume due to new findings, underscores the complexities and responsibilities inherent in managing the estates of famous artists.

Cultural Impact:

The continuous interest in Pollock's life and work, including films like "Pollock" (2000) starring Ed Harris, books, and documentaries, attests to his enduring influence. Stories about Pollock often explore themes of genius, madness, and the thin line between revolutionary creativity and self-destruction.

These elements of Pollock's life and work coalesce into a narrative that is as much about his innovations in art as about the dramatic and often tragic elements of his personal life. This blend of genius and controversy ensures that Pollock remains a captivating figure in both art history and popular culture.