Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock was an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Born on January 28, 1912, in Cody, Wyoming, Pollock moved to California as a child, where he would later study at the Art Students League in New York City under Thomas Hart Benton. His early career was marked by influences from Mexican muralists and the works of European modernists, which set the stage for his unique drip painting technique. By the late 1940s, Pollock had developed a distinctive style, characterized by vigorous brushwork and the use of liquid paint applied in rhythmic gestural strokes, which he famously referred to as 'energy made visible.' His artwork often involved creating large-scale canvases that became his visual diaries. Pollock’s most notable works include 'No. 5, 1948,' 'Blue Poles,' and 'Lavender Mist.' He became a leading figure in the New York School, and his technique of drip painting helped to redefine the act of painting itself. Pollock's impact on art history is immense, as he challenged traditional notions of composition and artistic intention, paving the way for later movements such as minimalism and pop art. Despite his untimely death at the age of 44, Pollock's legacy continues to influence contemporary art and culture, making him one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.