Friday, August 13, 2010

Helen Frankenthaler (abstract expressionist)

Helen Frankenthaler is an American abstract expressionist painter. She introduced a new style of abstraction that became known as Color Field. As a New York native, she was influenced by Hans Hofman and Jackson Pollack. She developed her own abstract style, inventing her own language of expression through color. She started experimenting with stain painting, where an unstretched and unprimed canvas lying on the floor would be treated with heavily diluted oil-based paints to be soaked directly into the fabric. She created silky pools of color that, although abstract, evoked images of landscapes, creating moods and ambiance.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Miriam Beerman (Expressionist/"Colorist")

Constantly being reminded that the world is unjust, Miriam Beerman is haunted by perpetrators of evil. Her dark expressionistic representation of the world resembles Goya in its unapologetic nature, yet instead of the villains being portrayed, it’s the victim. Being Jewish, she feels heavily connected to the occurrences of the Nazi Holocaust. Much of her work is taken from that injustice. Beerman is one of the first women to have a solo exhibit in the United States. She is admired by the many women artist who have come after her.