ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM: Who were the Irascible 18?

The Irascible 18 wrote an open letter to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1950 to denounce its conservatism. Adolph Gottlieb wrote it and was supported by Theodoros Stamos, Jimmy Ernst, Barnett Newman, James Brooks, Mark Rothko, Richard Pousette-Dart, William Baziotes, Jackson Pollock, Clyfford Still, Robert Motherwell, Bradley Walker Tomlin, Willem de Kooning, Adolph Gottlieb, Ad Reinhardt and Hedda Sterne among others. These 15 artists weren't the only ones who signed the open letter, but they were the subjects of an iconic photograph made by Nina Leen. We're going to look at each of them and, also, illustrate how little in common these artists have by explaining the difference between Action Painting and Color Field Painting.
James. E. B. Breslin's book:
www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/bo...
Videos on paintings mentioned or seen:
Ben Shahn's The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti:
• The Passion of Sacco a...
Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase:
• Nude Descending a Stai...
Piet Mondrian's Broadway Boogie-Woogie:
• Piet Mondrian's Artist...
Salvador Dali's Persistence of Memory:
• The Persistence of Memory
Support us on Patreon: / thecanvas
#arthistory #art #abstractimpressionism

[@patatoth6646]

Rothko uses a technique called Tiefenlicht ( "deep light" in german, i don´t know if it´s the correct term in english) that rennaisance artists used to create this magnificent effect of depth in their paintings. combined with the arrangement of his squares rothko created an optical illusion that can´t be found anywhere else in this world. If you stand in front of an rothko for about 10 minutes (thats how long it took for me) about 4-5 feet away the paintning starts to envelop you and you will start to look into an universe of colour an emotion. it´s sounds flowery but that is what it feels like. That was Rothkos primary goal, to make you feel. Not in an subjective way but create an objective feeling on canvas.stepping away feels like waking up from a dream. With this technique he aspired to eliminate the tranlation from artist to work and the work to the onlooker. Rothko was a stan for Karl Jung and his idea ofthe Archetype (ideas that transcend culture and are inherent throughout humanity) so in a way Rothko tried to create those in painting. Something that elicit the same emotion in every person. People see these paintings on photographs and don´t understand what the fuzz is about. Beeing enveloped by one of them was the most sureal and one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. These Paintings are highly functional. it´s not about different opinions, these paintnings manipulate our physiology. They are Emotion machines

[@miguelsuarez8010]

It happened to me in front of Malevich paintings. Seen in photographs they are just black squares, but standing in front of them at the MOMA you notice layers of transparent designs.

[@andrewwebb9426]

I’ve only seen one small one, unfortunately, and I didn’t think this worked in that way. I suspect it depends on the circumstances - that one was in a rather restricted and well lit busy space in Tate St. Ives. I don’t think it showed it off well. We’re supposed to have a Rothko room in Tate Modern in London. It’s solely for the Seagrams and is said to be quiet and low lighting, as Rothko wanted. But unfortunately it wasn’t open when I went recently.

[@xm6439]

Stand in front of a wall in your own home for 10 minutes and think hard, you will feel the same thing. It is called day dreaming. :o

[@felixdawson8497]

Came here from Nerdwriter’s video and see I have watched a couple of yours already, this is great stuff. You should plug in the comments of more similar youtubers, The Art Assignment maybe. Just comment in all their videos as soon as they come out,and slip in that you make art video essays

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

Oh I'm happy you enjoy the videos!! I'm also happy that the comment worked! It's great to know how people discovered the channel! Thanks!

[@Marceau.Verdiere.Atelier]

Very eloquent, clear and informative. Thanks!

[@adiibismail911]

Beautifully explained. Immediately subscribed, can’t wait to binge these! These deserve so much more views.

[@allypicard9673]

Just found your channel via this video. This by far was the most informative and helpful video that I’ve seen on abstract expressionism.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

Thank you Ally!

[@sebastianmuci]

This channel has grown to become one of my favorites, I'm left wanting more and you do an amazing job at everything. Do you think you can make a video about books you recommend relating to art history?

[@suzimajor9532]

This was BRILLIANT. Thank you for posting this.

[@strzyzenierzemieslnikow4082]

This is certainly the best art channel on KZbin. Videos are so informative and interesting. And I love your voice.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

Awww thank you so much Zofia! It means a lot!

[@georgeedward1226]

I love how art is officially evaluated by a "jury" as if the artist has been accused of something.

[@TioMaui]

Umm it's called competition competition needs a jury

[@SanityIsland]

We are, creativity is one step away from unacceptable views. The system was founded by the "ruling class" which are still trying to control creativity and self expression.

[@SanityIsland]

​@@TioMauiThat's a reason, but questions are good for learning

[@peteralexander7943]

Well presented with a lot of good info squeezed in. Thanks.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

Thank you Peter!

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

Hearing Hedda Sterne became mainly known for her being in that photo rather than her work is unfortunate, since her example-paintings were easily the most interesting to me of the ones associated with the 18 in this video.

[@leannesmith3480]

,

[@perevision]

Same! I do love her work though, I was lucky to see her paintings in an exhibition back in the pre-pandemic times. I love Rothko, but I love her more now ❤️

[@majsneruvburak8596]

This is a stretch, here example painting here is by far least abstract expressionism, she did a way more "traditional" AE paintings.

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

@@majsneruvburak8596 Cool. I like them better still.

[@majsneruvburak8596]

@@UltimateKyuubiFox So you probably do not like AE that much

[@jacobibanez7554]

Thank you for your work. Appreciated much

[@hawk0485]

I really enjoyed your video, you clearly have a genuine passion for art. The video is very polished and well written. However I have a hard time finding anything in these painitings that would move me. I take it you are moved by them. What do you think is the reason for this difference? I've thought about the Rothko story a lot and I would honestly like to know your opinion on my thoughts if you can spare the time. For me, what is missing, is a narrative component to the paintings. The only narrative I can see is that of the life of the author. Pollock's paintings are only interesting to me as a way of looking at Pollock. They are not interesting to me in themselves. Maybe we look at art because we care about its narrative. Everyone cares about universal narratives to do with suffering and love, life and death, etc. But few people care about the narratives of the lives of artists and concequently they don't care about their art that much. Could that be it? Could it be that you find meaning in those paintings because you care about the people who made them? Could it be that that is the reason the man in the Rotho story ended up buying Rothko's paintings, because he began to care about the man, which made him care about his art?

[@Marceau.Verdiere.Atelier]

Hi, there, I am not the maker of this video but really like your question and would like to offer my take on it. It's a great question and you are certainly correct that how you feel about someone may affect how you feel about that person's work. Regarding Rothko, have you had a chance to stand in front of real Rothko paintings? If not, it might be difficult to describe what happens, but the works vibrate as the colors float away in a sense from the canvas. This is due to the way he painted them, a layering of light and thin washes with unclear borders. And the way they vibrate, at least for me, is really a kind of mirror to your own state of mind. And so, the narrative you might be seeking will reveal itself to you, from you. Rothko did not offer a narrative, but offered the viewer the chance to bring their own narrative to the surface if that makes sense...? It really is fantastic, but it does require the chance to see them in person and spend a little time with them. Also, what is speaking about the man himself, is that he was an artist of incredible integrity ( look up the story behind the Seagram murals) and maybe that makes it even more appealing for me, as you ask, to embrace his works.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

I absolutely love this comment! I think the answer could make an interesting video! I'll work on it!

[@tadjani5191]

@@Marceau.Verdiere.Atelier Absolutely.. I remember I would come across Rothko in art books and not "get" them. Same thing with Pollack. Then I saw them on the wall in museums in NY and DC. Bingo!

[@colindunnigan8621]

​@@Marceau.Verdiere.Atelier I just want to echo your sentiments. You really have to be in front of the painting. (At least w/ Rothko). Simon Schama recounts how when someone asked Rothko how far away from the painting the viewer should be, he said, "Oh, about eighteen inches." Here's a good pair of videos on Rothko (the second one is shorter): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZLUi4ugpLqBhNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKTdZ5WhoK57sLM

[@JasonWindsor88]

@@colindunnigan8621 I love that you linked those other videos! I watched that first vid some time ago (on Rothko) with quite a dismissive attitude initially & by the end I was certainly intrigued. I happen to live in Houston, Texas & eventually made my way down to the Rothko chapel (which is admittedly bleak) & our local art museum where I got to stand in front of some of his works & they blew me away. Being cognizant of the visceral emotions he was pouring into his art works, in my opinion, factors into one’s appreciation of his pieces; it certainly did mine.

[@tekokatsitadze7677]

Thank you for this amazing summery

[@rajsingharora26]

Thank you for this......Just Love 1950's America and the Art. I wonder if you have a video of Abstract Expressionism, Jazz & the Beats....I mean there is a deep artistic Connect between these three & the 1950 -1960.

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

That's a great idea! That could definitely become a topic for a future video! Thank you!

[@rajsingharora26]

@@TheCanvasArtHistory Thank you Look forward to it.

[@brianmcmanus4286]

Good stuff! Cheers!

[@TheArtGarden101]

Wish i had a group of artists friends man that would be life

[@8531022]

Where are Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Grace Hartigan. Lee Krasner and Elaine de Kooning I wonder?

[@simonabbott8192]

Could you please also list your background music. So that if anyone likes it they can look it up?

[@veroniqueblais5486]

This is amazing! Love iiiiit

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

You're amazing! Love yooou

[@s2cardinal]

Brilliant video!

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

Thank you Stephen!

[@jchow5966]

This is fantastic!!!!!!

[@tishapaculba]

Hi I really enjoyed your video. I am very curious where you got the quote from Hedda Sterne - “They were very furious that I was in it because they were sufficiently macho to think that the presence of a woman took away from the seriousness of it all” it would help from my research. thanks

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

There you go! 😊 jwa.org/thisweek/may/20/1950/hedda-sterne-protests-monster-national-exhibition

[@tishapaculba]

@@TheCanvasArtHistory wow thank you so much!

[@TheCanvasArtHistory]

No problem Tisha!!

[@maryam48]

Dear The Canvas! Have you got a video devoted to Paul Klee? Will be much appreciated for a link!

[@chineainguanzo6341]

I can view Gorky ,a great painter,this is a great group.

[@angelajsacaartistaffiliatedwpl]

Very interesting

[@cut--]

@ 4:17 Man that's some of the heaviest hitters in the history of the art world.

[@cgautz]

Thanks!

[@satoshibitcoinsaki6532]

8:05 I agree with the man!!

[@ashtonandkylievideos2929]

She was the feather in the hat, she gave the picture life, without feminism with her smirk those hardened looking gentleman would have just taken another mid century picture

[@bananacar6118]

"Les souvenirs des surréalistes sont trop informes et fiers, alors que les peintres machos de la ville ne sont que des alcolos." - John Cale

[@henrysaxe6111]

Concise

[@iosiasaemilius2795]

that picture goes hard

[@_sistersbrothers]

❤

[@Nicky7200]

I definitely want to learn about how art movements influenced future generations, but for me this art is not a soul satisfying experience. It rather leaves me anxious and empty but I’m sure it works for many other people.

[@user-zg5ow6rm3j]

Салам Алейкум, МХПИ ДС03!!!!

[@eduscienceal]

art is better when used to express emotions

[@patatoth6646]

Rothkos paintings are the most emotional pieces of art I have encountered to this day. Do you want me to explain?

[@chineainguanzo6341]

Most artist don't get along, only in photos when the showed ..

[@duncanfankboner1319]

When you put it into words, it's not painting anymore

[@andrewwebb9426]

I admit I feel much more sympathetic to the colour field side than the action side but I honestly think Pollock was promoted far above his abilities. Modern art is all about finance and a lot of people made a lot of money by promoting action paintings like his. They represented the all-American action man for the CIA at the time.

[@Andreas-bw5zx]

Arshile Gorky

[@user-zg5ow6rm3j]

Пиздато!!!!!!

[@user-zg5ow6rm3j]

Тут был Егор, когда делал ДЗ (Не скажу кому)))00))000

[@MyDenis0]

alternative title should be how to manufacture a rebellion.

[@junkettarp8942]

What a great idea ,art that says Absolut Ly nothing....and as far a weeping before a Rothko......give us a break.

[@arte0021]

I honestly do not get the thought processes of these people who get very strong emotions and "religious experiences" by looking at some paint. I wonder if they can get these emotions from looking at a wall that happens to be painted a certain colour. Or does it have to be painted by a famous artist?

[@danielp415]

the latter for sure

[@RealShimSham]

We should not call these people artists, and we should not call their work art. They are frauds. With no talent, and no skill. They wanted to be famous, without putting in the hard work it takes to become truly skilled. Instead of becoming skilled, they forced their way into the art world. They sadly succeded. Now, 70 years later, the art world hasen't yet healed the wounds that they caused. Real art is barely created anymore. What is art? Art is beauty. What is beauty? Beauty is something that creates strong emotions. This rule has an important exeption, and that is that, it does not count if the strong emotion is frustration, anger or hatred, of the "art" itself. Those are the only emotions that these horrible paintings produce. People hate modern art. People get angry at modern art. People get frustrated when they see the price tags of modern art. Therefore we can conclude that it is in fact, not art.

[@IMakeDumbStuff]

U sound salty 😂

[@gavinreid2741]

Modern art started in the late 19th century with the impressionists. Abstract painting goes back over 100 years with artists such as Kandinsky and Malevich.Many medieval Christian paintings were designed to disturb the viewer, to horrify them with visions of Hell , designed to cause the viewer into repentance and lead a more moral life. Many people react positively to abstract art. Matisse and Rothko have both created chapels which people react positively to.

[@RealShimSham]

@@gavinreid2741 i guess i should have written abstract art instead of modern.

[@rishiraman998]

They are good abstract art and paintings in art world but hard to find as diamond in coal mine . Abstract art generally create asymmetry that you (non painter , non artist and normie without artistic skills) know and feel nothing that what so special about the piece , its your fault to gaze own the pieces express how you about it . Abstract genre PPL in sense make others invalid to feel criticize and enjoy.

[@patatoth6646]

Do you want me to explain Rothko to you?

[@michael4250]

You do know that "irascible" simply means "irritable", don't you?

[@rskl8083]

Yes he does he explained the definition of irascible

[@kevenquinlan]

Hahaha= BOLLOCKS! I F-ING HATE Ab expressionism. That IS a great photo though- but these paintings are meaningless. I think it's cool to see what 'Style' a person paints, but then as that is usually the only way they paint= it all looks the same. "If you've seen one Mondrian... " To me, it seems like this is what happens when intellectuals decide they want to be artists but don't have any artist ability or if they do, they don't use it when expressing themselves through art. I also understand that, like impressionism, a change was needed instead of always doing the same stuff. So, though it's a idealistic, what they are trying to do, it just doesn't FEEL like ART. And that Rothko said people were moved to tears by his paintings= I hope you have video of it b/c that sounds like some hyperbole bullshit for Real! Hahaha. Love your channel.

[@lucipheriousdeilluminati3784]

psyops

[@happylittletrees5668]

"I'm interested only in expressing basic human emotion- tragedy, doom, and so on. And the fact that a lot of people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures show that I communicate those basic human emotions... The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when I painted them." This statement is total contradiction. Basic human emotions are not religious experiences. If you study a true mystic, like St. John of the Cross, he will tell you over and over emotions are not spiritual, religious, or mystical because there tends to be a lot of confusion. Human emotions are what they say they are: HUMAN emotions. The person behind this quote bit of a con-artist influenced by a large ego.

[@georgeedward1226]

If the woman artist in the photo had been left out of it, she would have whined about that too.

[@thesupplantor]

What a bunch of clever scammers..

[@josefgatti9328]

They wanted to look modern but could not accept the presence of a woman among them :)))

[@pjgreen1786]

I don’t care for any of the men’s paintings.

[@larikmezey3924]

These were all sit artist horrible drinks and narcissist that got famous because of the philosophy side of art not from a skilled area.

[@JJTMStudio]

There was much mental illness and addiction here sadly. This "macho" tribe had ghosts galore to deal with.