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Twentieth Century American Art: A Journey Through Oxford History of Art

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Published in Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

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The twentieth century witnessed a remarkable flourishing of American art, as artists broke away from traditional European influences and forged a uniquely American aesthetic.

Twentieth-Century American Art (Oxford History of Art)

by Kelly Wiese

4.4 out of 5

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The Oxford History of Art series has played a pivotal role in documenting and interpreting this vibrant era. In this article, we'll delve into the major movements and artists that shaped twentieth century American art, as explored in the Oxford series.

Modernism: Breaking Boundaries

The early decades of the 20th century saw the rise of Modernism, a radical departure from realism and traditional art forms. Modernists sought to challenge conventions and experiment with new techniques, materials, and ideas.

Modernist Painting By Georgia O'Keeffe Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

Prominent American Modernists included:

Georgia O'Keeffe: Known for her abstract and sensual paintings of flowers and landscapes.
Marsden Hartley: A painter and poet who explored themes of American identity and nature.
Edward Hopper: A realist painter who depicted everyday scenes with a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Abstract Expressionism: Emotional Outbursts

In the post-World War II era, Abstract Expressionism emerged as a dominant force in American art. Artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko used large canvases and vibrant colors to create energetic and emotionally charged works.

Abstract Expressionist Painting By Jackson Pollock Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

Jackson Pollock, Number 1A, 1948 (1948)

Key Abstract Expressionists included:

Jackson Pollock: A leading figure of the movement known for his "drip paintings."
Mark Rothko: Known for his large, color-field paintings that explore themes of spirituality and the sublime.
Willem de Kooning: A Dutch-born artist who became a central figure in the New York art scene.

Pop Art: Consumerism and Mass Culture

The 1960s witnessed the rise of Pop Art, which drew inspiration from popular culture, advertising, and consumer goods. Pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein challenged conventional notions of high art and blurred the lines between art and commerce.

Pop Art Painting By Andy Warhol Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

Major Pop artists included:

Andy Warhol: A pioneer of the movement known for his silkscreen prints of everyday objects and celebrities.
Roy Lichtenstein: Known for his comic book-inspired paintings that explored the relationship between art and popular culture.
Claes Oldenburg: A Swedish-born artist known for his oversized sculptures and installations.

Minimalism: Simplicity and Repetition

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Minimalism emerged as a reaction to the expressive excesses of Abstract Expressionism. Minimalist artists such as Donald Judd and Dan Flavin sought to create works that were simple, repetitive, and geometric.

Minimalist Sculpture By Donald Judd Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

Donald Judd, Untitled (1969)

Prominent Minimalists included:

Donald Judd: Known for his cubic sculptures and wall installations.
Dan Flavin: Known for his fluorescent light installations that explore the relationship between light and space.
Carl Andre: An artist known for his floor sculptures made from simple materials such as bricks and metal plates.

Conceptual Art: Ideas Over Objects

The 1970s saw the rise of Conceptual Art, which emphasized the idea or concept behind a work of art more than the physical object. Conceptual artists such as Joseph Kosuth and Sol LeWitt used unconventional materials and media to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes a work of art.

Conceptual Art Installation By Joseph Kosuth Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

Key Conceptual artists included:

Joseph Kosuth: Known for his investigations into the nature of art and language.
Sol LeWitt: Known for his systematic and rule-based art that explored the relationship between art and mathematics.
Barbara Kruger: An artist known for her photo-based works that explore themes of feminism and consumer culture.

Performance Art: The Body as Medium

In the 1980s and 1990s, Performance Art gained prominence as artists used their bodies and live events to create works of art. Performance artists such as Marina Abramović and Laurie Anderson sought to challenge traditional notions of art and explore the boundaries of the body.

Performance Art By Marina Abramović Twentieth Century American Art (Oxford History Of Art)

Marina Abramović, The Artist is Present (2010)

Major Performance artists included:

Marina Abramović: A Serbian-born artist known for her endurance performances that explore the limits of the human body.
Laurie Anderson: A performance artist and musician known for her multimedia works that combine music, theater, and technology.
Yoko Ono: A Japanese-born artist known for her conceptual art and performance works that often explore themes of peace and love.

Twentieth century American art was a remarkable and diverse era that saw artists break away from tradition and forge a uniquely American aesthetic. The Oxford History of Art series provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this vibrant period, offering a valuable resource for students, scholars, and art enthusiasts alike.

From the early days of Modernism to the emergence of Conceptual Art and Performance Art, the twentieth century was a time of constant innovation and experimentation in American art. The artists featured in this article played a pivotal role in shaping the global art landscape and continue to influence and inspire artists today.

Twentieth-Century American Art (Oxford History of Art)

by Kelly Wiese

4.4 out of 5