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How Abstract Expressionism Took Off in New York

Pollock's 'Number 1A, 1948.' Raw canvas peaks out from choreographed swirls of paint. Many of his works from this era also contain three-dimensional objects such as sand, keys and even thumb tacks.
Early paintings by Robert Motherwell hang at the Museum of Modern Art's exhibit, 'Abstract Expressionist New York."
Early paintings by Robert Motherwell hang at the Museum of Modern Art's exhibit, 'Abstract Expressionist New York." (Carolina Miranda/WNYC)
'Shinnecock Canal,' 1957, by Grace Hartigan -- one of the few women to break through into the Ab-Ex boys club.
'Shinnecock Canal,' 1957, by Grace Hartigan -- one of the few women to break through into the Ab-Ex boys club. (Museum of Modern Art. © 2010 The Estate of Grace Hartigan)
Hans Hofmann's painting 'Spring,' from 1944-45 (possibly earlier) — reflecting a use of the drip technique at least two years before Pollock would make it famous.
Hans Hofmann's painting 'Spring,' from 1944-45 (possibly earlier) — reflecting a use of the drip technique at least two years before Pollock would make it famous. (Carolina Miranda/WNYC)
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