American Abstract Expressionism was a trend in modern art that began in the late 40s. This served as a reaction to World War 2. Believers of this trend think that the unconscious was an agent for the creation of artwork.

Artists who belong to the movement focus on beauty, expressing emotions, and matters pertaining to the unconscious. There are two categories under the style. These are Gestural and Color Field.

Social upheaval was caused by the War, and after this event, many artists perceived the world to be shifting. As a result of reflecting the effects of the war, they demanded that a newer form should be created.

Take note that the European artists emigrated to the United States right after this event, spreading their influence to their American counterparts. Because of the spread of influence, New York became the center of finance and culture.

Artists of this trend are quite the self-absorbed type when making their pieces. They felt that by turning to the subconscious instead of what is known reality, they can innovate an art form. This goal was fully achieved, but not without difficulty.

A prominent figure of this trend known as Jackson Pollock was once rejected by the public. It was only later when these works were recognized as great pieces. The pieces are easily recognizable due to paint marks obviously done through dripping and splashing motions.

Makers of these kinds of masterpieces looked past reality and instead focused on various art elements, like shape, line, and color. They also believe that a great piece does not represent something in the physical realm.

Take Willem de Kooning differently, as he often paints about women. But he stayed true to American Abstract Expressionism, as the works do not show beautiful women. The images, instead, convey frightening faces. Despite this, however, these pieces are prized.