Jackson Pollock's (1912–1956) first large-scale painting, Mural, in many ways represents the birth of Pollock, the legend. The controversial artist’s creation of this painting has been recounted in dozens of books and dramatized in the Oscar-winning film Pollock. Rumors—such as it was painted in one alcohol-fueled night and at first didn’t fit the intended space—abound. But never in doubt was that the creation of the painting was pivotal, not only for Pollock but for the Abstract Expressionists who would follow his radical conception of art —“no limits, just edges.” Mural, painted in 1943, was Pollock’s first major commission. It was made for the entrance hall of the Manhattan duplex of Peggy Guggenheim, who donated it to the University of Iowa in the 1950s where it stayed until its 2012 arrival for conservation and study at the Getty Center. This book unveils the findings of that examination, providing a more complete picture of Pollock’s process than ever before. It includes an essay by eminent Pollock scholar Ellen Landau and an introduction by comedian Steve Martin. It accompanies an exhibition of the painting on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum from March 11 through June 1, 2014.
This accompanying volume offers crucial analysis and historical background on one of Pollock’s most significant works.
Offering a provocative counter-argument to dominant accounts of Pollock's work, this book advances bold claims about Pollock's intentions as they are expressed in his art, and illuminates what constituted the artist's unique form of ...
Looks at the works of the American modern artist.
Contents include: Who was Jackson Pollock? Early years; School and college; New York; A turning point; Selling his work; Painting a mural; Marriage; Action painting; Painting on the floor; Drip paintings; Fame; A sad end; Timeline.
Exhibition schedule: Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College: April 7-June 17, 2012; Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center [East Hampton, NY]: August 2-October 27, 2012.
Published to accompany the exhibition Jackson Pollock held the Museum of Modern Art, New York, from 1 November 1998 to 2 February 1999.
Jackson Pollock: The Early Years
Pollock Painting
The perfect introduction to the life and work of Jackson Pollock.
“She is very nice, but I do not like him. Your father says he is an imbecile. ... “I like the pictures very much but they make him sad. ... “I would like very much to see those pretty pictures again.” I took her hands, thrilled there ...