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Abstract Expressionism, while largely associated with American artists, was influenced by and had an impact on artists and art movements around the world during the mid-20th century.
Many Abstract Expressionist artists were influenced by European modernist movements, such as Surrealism, Cubism, and Expressionism. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning were familiar with the work of European artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Paul Klee, and incorporated elements of these styles into their own practice.
The rise of Abstract Expressionism coincided with World War II and its aftermath, leading to the displacement of many European artists who fled to the United States to escape persecution. Artists like Hans Hofmann, Arshile Gorky, and Max Ernst brought their European sensibilities to the American art scene, contributing to the development of Abstract Expressionism.
Abstract Expressionist works were exhibited and published internationally, leading to widespread recognition and influence. Major exhibitions of Abstract Expressionism were held in Europe and Japan, introducing audiences around the world to the movement’s bold, innovative approach to artmaking.
Abstract Expressionism fostered transnational networks of artists, critics, and collectors who exchanged ideas and collaborated across geographical boundaries. Artists like Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still maintained close ties with European artists and intellectuals, contributing to a global dialogue about the nature and purpose of art.
Abstract Expressionism had a profound impact on subsequent art movements around the world, inspiring artists to explore new forms of expression and experimentation. In Europe, movements like Art Informel in France and Tachisme in Italy drew inspiration from Abstract Expressionist ideas of spontaneity and gesture. In Asia, artists like Kazuo Shiraga and Gutai Group in Japan embraced the ethos of Abstract Expressionism as they sought to break free from traditional artistic conventions.
Overall, the international influence of Abstract Expressionism underscores its status as a global phenomenon, with far-reaching implications for the development of modern and contemporary art on a global scale.