Junior Docent School Program - Milwaukee Art Museum

different. Visual experimentation has remained central to art ever since this art
movement.
Abstract Expressionism (early 1940s - 1960s CE)
With Europe and its artistic centers in ruin following World War II, the center of the
Western art world moved to the United States, primarily to New York City. This postwar
art grew out of European art movements in the prewar years, much of it taught by
European artists who fled their occupied homelands. The first postwar movement to
emerge was Abstract Expressionism. Abstract Expressionism is a style of abstract art
that particularly emphasizes the expressions of feelings, encompassing as “art” not just
the product of artistic creation but also the active process of creating it. The artist begins
painting without any preconceived notion, and the act of painting is the experience in
itself.
Also called “action painting” and the New York School, Abstract Expressionism stressed
energy, action, kineticism, and freneticism. Abstract Expressionists liberated themselves
from geometric abstraction and the need to suggest recognizable images. Giving free
rein to impulse and chance, the impassioned act of painting became an absolute value
in itself. No longer was art required to imitate appearance; the energy and emotion of
Abstract Expressionism smashed conventions, and laid the groundwork for much of
what was to follow.
Objectives
Students will receive a brief overview of art history from antiquity to modern
times: Asian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance,
Realism/Naturalism, Impressionism, Abstraction, Abstract Expressionism.
Students will gain an appreciation of how historical events and/or technological
advances changed art.
Students will gain an awareness of:
o The acceleration of artistic styles, as compared to the world itself.
o New artistic styles as a reaction to the style that preceded it, or return to a
previous style.
o The communication of ideas and feelings through art.
o Learning from each other in a manner to better understand our rich
cultural heritage
o Art as a reflection of the time in which it was created and its changes over
time
o Human‟s view of him/herself in relationship to the world reflected in world
change
Tour Implementation Ideas
The following works of art are examples that can be used with this tour. Please know
this tour is not limited to the pieces listed below!
The following teaching aides may be useful with this tour and are located in the
Education Resource Room cabinets:
Antiquities to Abstract Expressionism Timeline fold-out and cards
Inflatable world globe
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JDSP – Docent Packet