Abstract expressionism was a post – World War II art movement in American painting, developed in New York City in the 1940s. The movement of abstract expressionism derived its name from the combination of the emotional intensity and self-denial of German Expressionists of the early 40’s. The emphasis is on spontaneous or subconscious creation. Additionally, it has an image of being rebellious, anarchic, highly idiosyncratic and in some cases nihilistic.

Bold brush strokes, paint splashed or dripping and writing on works are all hallmarks of an expressionists work. And more than just ‘seeing’ an artwork, they want you to ‘feel’ it. For certainly it evokes emotion within the artist and observer alike. Often it reflects the artists own emotional state.