Jackson Pollock, American, 1912–1956
One: Number 31, 1950
1950
Oil and enamel paint on canvas
8′ 10″ x 17′ 5 5/8″ (269.5 x 530.8 cm)
Sidney and Harriet Janis Collection Fund (by exchange)
Accessioned object
Jackson Pollock: One: Number 31, 1950
‘Jackson Pollock: A Collection Survey’ at the MoMA Drawn entirely from the MoMA’s collection, ‘Jackson Pollock: A Collection Survey, 1934–1954’ features approximately 50 works representing every phase of the artist’s career. November 22, 2015 – March 13, 2016.]]>
Source: The Museum of Modern Art, New York
Over the course of two decades, Pollock’s work progressed from mythical, primal figures and scenes; to imagery that combines elements of representation and abstraction; to the radical “drip” paintings that mark the climax of his career. With these culminating works, which envelop the viewer through their monumental scale and allover markings, Pollock emerged at the forefront of the post-World War II movement known as Abstract Expressionism. His innovations helped make this the first American art movement to wield international influence. They had an explosive effect on the traditions of painting and opened up new avenues for sculpture and performance art as well.
In addition to “One: Number 31, 1950” (1950) —arguably Pollock’s greatest masterpiece and one of his largest canvases— the exhibition also features drawings and exceedingly rare and little-known engravings, lithographs, and screenprints, highlighting an underappreciated side of one of the most important and influential American artists of the 20th century. Bringing these works together underscores the relentless search for new expressive means and the emphasis on experimentation and process that were at the heart of Pollock’s creativity.
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Pollock’s Mural shown at the Getty after conservation (exhibition, 2014)
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