Post-Painterly Abstraction: A New Direction in Abstract Art

Post-Painterly Abstraction, an influential movement that emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, marked a significant shift in the landscape of abstract art. Moving away from the gestural, emotive styles of Abstract Expressionism, artists associated with Post-Painterly Abstraction embraced a cleaner, more disciplined approach to painting. Characterized by sharp edges, flat planes of color, and a focus on formal elements, this movement sought to explore the purity of painting itself.

Historical Context and Origins

The term "Post-Painterly Abstraction" was coined by the renowned art critic Clement Greenberg. Greenberg organized a seminal exhibition in 1964 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, titled "Post-Painterly Abstraction," which subsequently traveled to the Walker Art Center and the Art Gallery of Toronto. Greenberg had perceived a new movement in painting that derived from the abstract expressionism of the 1940s and 1950s but "favored openness or clarity" as opposed to the dense painterly surfaces of that painting style.

Key Figures and Their Contributions

Several artists played pivotal roles in the development and proliferation of Post-Painterly Abstraction, each contributing their unique style and perspective. The 31 artists featured in Greenberg's exhibition included Walter Darby Bannard, Jack Bush, Gene Davis, Thomas Downing, Friedel Dzubas, Paul Feeley, John Ferren, Sam Francis, Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Gilliam, Al Held, Ellsworth Kelly, Nicholas Krushenick, Alexander Liberman, Morris Louis, Arthur Fortescue McKay, Howard Mehring, Kenneth Noland, Jules Olitski, Ray Parker, David Simpson, Albert Stadler, Frank Stella, Mason Wells, Ward Jackson, Emerson Woelffer, and other American and Canadian artists who were becoming well-known in the 1960s.

Morris Louis is often associated with the movement's emphasis on color and form. Using techniques that involved pouring thinned paint directly onto unprimed canvas, Louis created works that showcased the fluidity and transparency of color. His "Veils" and "Unfurleds" series are notable for their luminous, overlapping fields of color that seem to float effortlessly on the canvas. Louis's work exemplifies the movement's interest in the intrinsic qualities of paint and the interaction of color.

Kenneth Noland's work is characterized by his use of concentric circles, chevrons, and stripes. By focusing on these geometric forms, Noland explored the optical effects of color and composition. His paintings often feature bold, flat areas of color, creating a sense of depth and movement through the precise arrangement of hues. Noland's disciplined approach to composition and his emphasis on the visual impact of color were central to the Post-Painterly Abstraction ethos.

Helen Frankenthaler was a pioneering figure in the movement, known for her innovative staining technique. By pouring thinned paint onto raw canvas, Frankenthaler allowed the colors to soak into the fabric, creating a seamless integration of color and surface. Her work, such as "Mountains and Sea" (1952), is celebrated for its lyrical and spontaneous qualities, as well as its departure from the more gestural methods of Abstract Expressionism. Frankenthaler's approach influenced many of her contemporaries and helped define the movement's aesthetic.

Ellsworth Kelly's minimalist and hard-edge paintings also played a crucial role in Post-Painterly Abstraction. His works are characterized by their simplicity and precision, often featuring bold, monochromatic shapes that interact with the surrounding space. Kelly's emphasis on form and color as primary elements of composition aligns with the movement's focus on clarity and abstraction. His art challenges viewers to engage with the fundamental aspects of visual perception.

Techniques and Artistic Processes

Post-Painterly Abstraction artists employed a range of techniques to achieve their desired effects. Many artists used staining methods, allowing paint to soak into the canvas rather than sitting on its surface. This technique emphasized the flatness of the canvas and the purity of color.

The use of masking tape and other tools to create sharp edges and geometric forms was also common. This approach contrasted sharply with the gestural brushstrokes of Abstract Expressionism, highlighting a shift towards precision and control. Artists like Frank Stella and Al Held used these techniques to explore the interplay of line, form, and color, creating works that were both visually striking and conceptually rigorous.

The Impact of Post-Painterly Abstraction

Post-Painterly Abstraction had a profound impact on the development of modern art, influencing subsequent movements such as Minimalism, Hard-Edge Painting, Lyrical Abstraction, and Color Field Painting. By stripping away the emotional and gestural excesses of earlier abstract art, these artists laid the groundwork for a more analytical and formal approach to painting.

The movement also contributed to a broader understanding of abstraction, emphasizing the importance of visual perception and the intrinsic properties of materials. This focus on the fundamental elements of art—color, form, line, and space—resonated with artists across disciplines and continues to inform contemporary practices.

Barnett Newman's Influence

Among the prior generation of contemporary artists, Barnett Newman has been singled out as one who anticipated some of the characteristics of Post-Painterly Abstraction. Newman's work, with its emphasis on large fields of color and the use of "zips" to create divisions within the canvas, explored ideas of purity and simplicity that resonated with the Post-Painterly Abstractionists.

Post-Painterly Abstraction in Contemporary Art

Today, the legacy of Post-Painterly Abstraction can be seen in the work of contemporary artists who continue to explore the boundaries of abstraction. The movement's emphasis on purity, clarity, and formal rigor remains relevant, inspiring new generations of artists to engage with the core principles of abstract art.

Artists like Anish Kapoor, with his exploration of color and form, and Sarah Morris, known for her geometric compositions, draw on the legacy of Post-Painterly Abstraction while pushing its boundaries. The movement's influence extends beyond painting, impacting sculpture, installation art, and digital media.

Post-Painterly Abstraction represents a critical juncture in the evolution of abstract art. By moving away from the emotive and gestural approaches of their predecessors, artists like Morris Louis, Kenneth Noland, Helen Frankenthaler, and Ellsworth Kelly sought to explore the purity and potential of color and form. Their work laid the foundation for subsequent developments in modern art and continues to inspire contemporary artists.

In a world that often emphasizes complexity and excess, Post-Painterly Abstraction's focus on simplicity, clarity, and precision offers a refreshing perspective. The movement challenges us to look beyond the surface and engage with the fundamental elements of visual experience. As we continue to explore the possibilities of abstract art, the legacy of Post-Painterly Abstraction remains a vital and enduring influence.