Galaxy – Jackson Pollock

Art

• Art is the notion and intention of generating original ideas

• Art is very subjective • As long as the artist has intentions of

creating art, it is art

GalaxyJackson Pollock1947

The Artist• Jackson Pollock – an abstract expressionist• Danced or moved vigorously while painting• Embracing expressionism and movement

Content

• 1 of 4 paintings inspired by the night sky• Helped in major transition from dense and heavy

style into light and lively style• Splattered paint• No foreground, mid-ground, or background• Though the paintings may look effortless, this is

quite a technical process• Highlights the beauty of movement• Tells the viewer that they should not hesitate to

express themselves

Composition

• Involves splatters of paint• Bright colours (black and white paint is

used in most of the paintings)• The difference in the size of the splatters

makes the painting seem more natural• Uses many contrasting colours so the

whole painting is very vibrant

Process

• Abstract expressionism, affected by Surrealism and Indian sand painting

• Pollock would have the canvas on the ground so that he could move all around it and ‘be in the painting’

• Utilizes sticks, towels, knives• Runny paint

Personal Opinion

• ‘Galaxy’ suggested to be one of his worst paintings

• Kenny – random matter on a canvas, which shouldn’t be considered as art

• Claudia – it carries a very strong message with it, and the colours bring life to the painting

• Jade – the individual and unique way it is painted does not suggest complete randomness, instead strong intentions and meanings behind it

Intention Theory

• Art must be intentional• Art is a combination of beauty and

aesthetics• Requires a response

• Viewers are subjective• Intentions cannot be certain

Quality of Work Theory

• If work is created with quality, it should be considered art

• Some artists may not be technically competent

• Training and talent do not necessarily create good artwork

• Art is not only about skill and technique, instead the expression and meaning behind it

• People cannot judge art just because of its complexity (e.g. continuous line art)

Knowles & Maxim1884

Response of Spectators Theory

• “Should art be judged by experts or general viewers?”

• Again, viewers are subjective• Different personalities and perspectives• More dimensions can lead to a fairer

judgment of the artwork

Ways of Knowing

• Sense perception– Different beliefs can lead to different opinions

about art

• Reason– Theories can be used as reasoning to judge the

painting

• Emotion– If the painting can relate to one’s past

experience, it can affect how the person judges the artwork

THE END