New York Figurative Expressionism: Bridging Abstraction and Reality

New York Figurative Expressionism is a dynamic and influential art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the dominance of Abstract Expressionism. This movement is characterized by its focus on the human figure and representational forms, blending the emotional intensity and gestural techniques of Abstract Expressionism with a renewed interest in the human condition and narrative content. By examining the historical context, key figures, techniques, and themes of New York Figurative Expressionism, we can appreciate its significant contributions to the evolution of modern art.

Marsden Hartley - Lobster Fishermen

Historical Context and Origins

New York Figurative Expressionism traces its roots back to the 1930s but truly gained momentum in the post-World War II era, peaking during the 1950s and 1960s. The movement emerged as a counter-distinction to Abstract Expressionism, which had become the dominant art form in New York. Curator Klaus Kertess observed that "[o]n the eve of the new abstraction's purge of figuration and its rise to all-encompassing prominence, the figure began to acquire a new and forceful vigor." During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Abstract Expressionists sought to avoid the perceived conservatism of figurative work, leading to a defensive stance that often blurred the distinctions between figurative and nonfigurative painters.

Despite this trend, some Abstract Expressionists, like Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock, began incorporating figurative elements into their work earlier than their peers. These artists, along with Conrad Marca-Relli, used the figure as a framework for expanding their otherwise abstract canvases.

Key Figures and Contributions

Dickinson - Portrait of Biala

Early Influences and Pioneers

Early New York figurative expressionists included Max Weber and Marsden Hartley, known for their work with myth and spirituality. Weber's sculptures and Hartley's paintings reflected a deep engagement with symbolic and mystical themes. Other early practitioners, such as Milton Avery and Edwin Dickinson, brought a range of stylistic approaches to the movement, from lyrical restraint to clear, direct representation.

Willem de Kooning is often considered a pivotal figure in New York Figurative Expressionism. Although initially associated with Abstract Expressionism, de Kooning’s work began to incorporate more figurative elements in the 1950s. His series of "Women" paintings are iconic examples of this transition, blending aggressive brushwork and abstract forms with recognizable human figures. These works challenged traditional notions of beauty and femininity, reflecting de Kooning’s complex views on the female form and the human condition.

Philip Guston’s artistic journey epitomizes the shift from abstraction to figuration. In the late 1960s, Guston moved away from the abstract style that had defined his earlier career, embracing a more figurative and cartoonish approach. His paintings from this period feature crude, often grotesque figures and objects, addressing themes of political corruption, social injustice, and personal anguish. Guston’s bold departure from abstraction had a profound impact on the art world, inspiring subsequent generations of figurative artists.

Alice Neel’s work stands out for its psychological depth and empathy. A dedicated portraitist, Neel captured the essence of her subjects with a raw, unflinching honesty. Her paintings often featured friends, family members, and notable figures from the art world, revealing their vulnerabilities and inner lives. Neel’s commitment to figuration during a time dominated by abstraction underscored the enduring power of the human form as a means of expression and connection.

Marsden Hartley and Max Weber

Marsden Hartley’s work often depicted spiritual and mythological themes, while Max Weber's contributions included both painting and sculpture, such as his 1937 work "Aurora." Both artists laid the groundwork for later developments in figurative expressionism, emphasizing the symbolic and narrative potential of representational art.

Techniques and Artistic Processes

Marsden Hartley  - Adelard the Drowned, Master of the Phantom

New York Figurative Expressionists employed a variety of techniques to achieve their desired effects, blending elements of abstraction with representational forms. Key techniques included:

1. Expressive Brushwork: Like their abstract predecessors, figurative expressionists used bold, gestural brushstrokes to convey emotion and movement. This approach imbued their works with a dynamic, energetic quality.

2. Distortion and Exaggeration: Artists often distorted or exaggerated human figures and facial features to emphasize psychological states or social commentary. This technique allowed for a deeper exploration of the human condition.

3. Color and Light: Mastery of color and light was essential in creating mood and atmosphere. Artists like Fairfield Porter used these elements to enhance the emotional impact of their scenes.

4. Narrative Content: Figurative expressionists incorporated narrative elements into their works, using the human figure to tell stories and address social and political issues. This narrative focus distinguished them from the non-representational approach of pure abstraction.

Themes and Concepts

New York Figurative Expressionism explored a range of themes and concepts, reflecting the complexities of human experience. Key themes included:

1. The Human Condition: Artists delved into the psychological and emotional aspects of being human, portraying vulnerability, anxiety, joy, and despair. Their works often served as introspective reflections on their own lives and the world around them.

2. Social and Political Commentary: Many figurative expressionists used their art to comment on social and political issues of their time. Philip Guston, for example, addressed themes of political corruption and social injustice in his later works.

3. Identity and Relationships: Portraiture and figurative works allowed artists to explore themes of identity, relationships, and personal connection. Alice Neel’s intimate portraits revealed the inner lives of her subjects, highlighting their individuality and humanity.

4. Everyday Life: Fairfield Porter and others captured scenes of everyday life, celebrating the beauty and significance of ordinary moments. This focus on the quotidian offered a counterpoint to the grandiose themes of Abstract Expressionism.

Figurative Art During Abstract Expressionism: The 1950s and Beyond

During the 1950s, the use of the figure in art was influenced by Old Master and history painting for some New York figurative expressionists, notably Larry Rivers and Grace Hartigan. For many others, the figure served as the logical subject of representational portraiture, as seen in the works of Elaine de Kooning, Balcomb Greene, Robert De Niro Sr., Fairfield Porter, and others.

The figure also served as a stylistic element reminiscent of the German Expressionists but with the heroic scale of the Abstract Expressionists for those with allegorical or mythical interests. Artists in this category included Jan Müller, Robert Beauchamp, Nicholas Marsicano, Bob Thompson, and Irving Kriesberg.

Figurative Partisans: 1950–1964

During the war years and into the 1950s, the general public remained highly suspicious of abstraction, considering it un-American. While art critic Clement Greenberg successfully challenged the public's negative response to abstraction, his attempt to communicate with the New York figurative painters of the fifties was less successful. The journal Reality, founded in 1953, aimed to defend any painter's right to paint in any style they wanted. This mission was supported by an editorial committee including Isabel Bishop, Edward Hopper, Jack Levine, Raphael Soyer, and Henry Varnum Poor.

The Impact and Legacy of New York Figurative Expressionism

New York Figurative Expressionism had a profound impact on the art world, challenging the dominance of abstraction and reaffirming the relevance of the human figure in contemporary art. By blending expressive techniques with representational forms, these artists created works that were both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.

Influence on Subsequent Movements

The movement’s emphasis on figuration and narrative influenced subsequent art movements, including Pop Art, Neo-Expressionism, and contemporary figurative painting. Artists like David Hockney and Lucian Freud drew inspiration from the figurative expressionists, incorporating their focus on the human form and psychological depth into their own work.

Continued Relevance

Today, New York Figurative Expressionism continues to resonate with artists and audiences alike. The movement’s exploration of the human condition and its blend of abstraction and representation remain relevant in contemporary art. Exhibitions and retrospectives of key figures like Willem de Kooning, Philip Guston, and Alice Neel continue to draw significant interest, underscoring the enduring impact of their contributions.

New York Figurative Expressionism stands as a testament to the power of the human figure in art. By challenging the dominance of abstraction and reintroducing representational forms, artists like Willem de Kooning, Philip Guston, Alice Neel, and Fairfield Porter expanded the possibilities of artistic expression. Their works, characterized by expressive brushwork, narrative content, and psychological depth, continue to inspire and engage viewers, highlighting the enduring relevance of figuration in contemporary art. As we look back on the contributions of these pioneering artists, we recognize the profound impact they have had on the evolution of modern art and the ongoing dialogue between abstraction and reality.