YOU DON'T KNOW ''JACK''...Jackson POLLOCK that is!!

The aftermath of World War 2 in the United States brought a new tension and angst that would prove to be the catalyst for a number of profound artistic movements that would make there presences known on a global scale. I have perviously discussed the impact of this era in film, ( Film Noir ) Now I want discuss one of my favorite artists from the late 40's/50's: JACKSON POLLOCK. He was one of the most innovative of the new breed of american artists which included such notable figures such as Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Arshile Gorky and Clyfford Still. Pollock was the father of what would become the terms ''action painting'' and ''abstract expressionism''. He basically rewrote the book on what and how a painting should be made. Instead of painting upright, he laid his canvases on the floor and poured the paint directly on the picture from above using sticks, brushes and other objects. the result was pictures which in my mind resemble atomic particles, outer space or perhaps explosions. Instead of the sometimes vapid and over intellectualized abstract painting that was made up until that point, Pollock's pictures have a visceral, emotional impact. They seem to envelop the viewer from all sides, at once. If you have never seen his work in person, get over to MOMA and have a look. On another note, from the vantage point of style, Pollock epitomized 1950's rebel cool. The dark, unwashed jeans, work shirts and black t-shirt's, khaki's, heavy boots ( all old and battered, covered with paint ) would look modern on the streets of Williamsburg or the L.E.S today. If you want to find out more about Jackson Pollack, see/rent, buy the film ''POLLACK'' starring Ed Harris and Marcia Gay Harden, or better yet find/read a book about him. See the links/video below as an extra treat. Enjoy!

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