American painter, printmaker and editor and member of the School of New York painters, contemporaries being Rothko, Barnett Newman, Kooning et al. He was well versed in literature, philosophy and the European modernist traditions, having studies at Harvard and Stanford University. His paintings feature simple shapes, bold colour contrasts and a fine balance between fine and bold gestural brushstrokes. It was through his lectures and publications he became what was referred to as an 'unofficial spokesman and interpreter' for the abstract expressionist movement.
Key themes found in his work articulate the dialogue between repression and rebellion, using his knowledge of the European art scene the difference between European modernism and a new American vision, and between formal and emotional approaches to making art.
He communicated his feelings towards war and politics through his art as well as in verse. He painted a series of dark menacing works,which communicated his feelings felt of war torn Europe as well as a series of political references in the late 1940's in relation to the lost cause of the Spanish civil war.
Influence on my work:
Its been an interesting learning how the abstract expressionists have approached communicating their personal politics and emotions through abstraction. In my opinion they have shunned the figurative imagery and have learnt how to use colour, shapes and gestural markings to articulate and communicate to the viewer. I am inspired by the freedom this gives to a painter to really allow the imagery to become all encompassing.
'Every artists problem is to invent himself'
Robert Motherwell
References:
http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=4126
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi56BczdiEs
http://www.theartstory.org/artist-motherwell-robert.htm
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online/artists/bios/1394
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