ART-PRESENTATION:Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock is widely considered one of the most important and provocative American artists of the 20th century, whose work has made an immense contribution to abstract art. “Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots”, at Tate Liverpool, focuses on the latter part of the artist’s career, shedding light on a less known but extremely significant part of his body of work.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Tate Liverpool Archive

The late paintings of Jackson Pollock, made between 1951-53, is a phase of work referred to as his Black Pourings and a highly influential part of his career. “Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots” introduce audiences to the artist’s practice via a selection of his important paintings made between 1947-50 including “Summertime: Number 9A” & “Number 3”, and “Tiger”. Exhibiting works from the height of the artist’s fame set against his lesser known paintings will serve to demonstrate the radical departure represented by the Black Pourings. These works are a series of black enamel and oil paintings, they are presented alongside unique works on paper and prints from the same period, which are regarded as his most important and productive output as a draughtsman. Also on display will be a number of virtually unknown and rarely seen sculptures, giving viewers the opportunity to reconsider his intentions as an artist. After nearly four years (1947-50), of colourful, decorative, non-figurative paintings, Pollock felt compelled to return to the origins of his art. He needed to reinvigorate his practice during a personally difficult period in his life. The exhibition is the largest gathering of these works in a Public Institution.

Info: Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots, Curating: Gavin Delahunty & Stephanie Straine, Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, Duration: 30/6-18/10/15, Days & Hours: Daily: 10:00-17:50, www.tate.org.uk

Jackson Pollock, Portrait and a Dream 1953, © Pollock-Krasner Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York,  Tate Liverpool Archive
Jackson Pollock, Portrait and a Dream 1953, © Pollock-Krasner Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York, Tate Liverpool Archive

 

 

Jackson Pollock, Number 34 1949, © The Pollock-Krasner Foundation ARS, NY and DACS, London 2015. Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute/Art Resource, NY/Scala Florence, Tate Liverpool Archive
Jackson Pollock, Number 34 1949, © The Pollock-Krasner Foundation ARS, NY and DACS, London 2015. Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute/Art Resource, NY/Scala Florence, Tate Liverpool Archive

 

 

Jackson Pollock, Yellow Islands 1952, © The Pollock-Krasner Foundation ARS, NY and DACS, London 2015, Tate Liverpool Archive
Jackson Pollock, Yellow Islands 1952, © The Pollock-Krasner Foundation ARS, NY and DACS, London 2015, Tate Liverpool Archive