American art

American Art

American art encompasses the visual arts that have been produced in the geographical area of the United States from prehistoric times to the present. It reflects the diverse cultural influences and historical events that have shaped the nation.

Pre-Colonial and Colonial Art

Before European colonization, the indigenous peoples of North America created a rich variety of art forms, including petroglyphs, pottery, weaving, and sculpture. These works often had spiritual or ceremonial significance.

With the arrival of European settlers, American art began to incorporate European styles and techniques. Early colonial art was primarily utilitarian, with a focus on portraiture and religious themes.

19th Century

The 19th century saw the emergence of distinctly American art movements. The Hudson River School was the first native school of painting in the United States, known for its romantic landscapes that celebrated the natural beauty of the American wilderness.

During this period, American genre painting also gained popularity, depicting everyday life and scenes of rural America. Artists like Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins became prominent figures in this genre.

20th Century

The 20th century was a time of great innovation and diversity in American art. The Ashcan School emerged in the early 1900s, focusing on urban realism and the gritty realities of city life.

The Armory Show of 1913 introduced Americans to European modernism, leading to the rise of American modernist artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Edward Hopper.

The Great Depression of the 1930s inspired the Regionalism and Social Realism movements, with artists like Grant Wood and Dorothea Lange capturing the struggles of everyday Americans.

Post-World War II

After World War II, the United States became a center for the international art world. Abstract Expressionism, led by artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, marked a shift towards non-representational art.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of Pop Art, with figures like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein challenging traditional boundaries between "high" and "low" art.

Contemporary American Art

Today, American art is characterized by its diversity and global influence. Contemporary artists explore a wide range of media and themes, often addressing social and political issues. The art market and museums in the United States continue to play a significant role in the global art scene.

Notable American Artists

• John Singleton Copley
• Mary Cassatt
• Norman Rockwell
• Jean-Michel Basquiat

See Also

• Native American art
• American folk art
• Art in the United States Capitol

References

• Hughes, Robert. American Visions: The Epic History of Art in America. Knopf, 1997.
• Craven, Wayne. American Art: History and Culture. McGraw-Hill, 2003.

External Links

• National Gallery of Art
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art