Abstract Expressionist: original voices

Famous Abstract Expressionist Artists: 76 Original Voices

Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) is the most famous Abstract Expressionist artist, whose singular vision gave us One. Number 31, 1950 and Convergence. Next stand Gerhard Richter, Willem de Kooning, Jasper Johns and Mark Rothko. These 76 artists, from George Edgar Ohr (born 1857) to Ian Davenport (born 1966), came from 22 countries.

Our selection. Artists whose works our catalogue attaches to Abstract Expressionist, in the order of our fame ranking. Artists born after 1955 with no Wikidata identifier stay out until verified. The Wikipedia figure counts our 32 languages with an article on the artist.

  1. One. Number 31, 1950 by Jackson Pollock1Jackson Pollock
  2. Motorboat by Gerhard Richter2Gerhard Richter
  3. Woman I by Willem de Kooning3Willem de Kooning

In brief

Abstract Expressionist in brief

  • 76Artists
  • 1857–1966Years of birth
  • 22Countries of birth
  • 13Women
  • 10Living artists
  • 3,800Works in our catalogue
Cities with most births
New York City (3), Pittsburgh (2), Cody (1), Dresden (1)

One artist at a time

76 Abstract Expressionist Artists and their signature works

1of 76

Jackson Pollock

American Born in Cody Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 31/32 languages

Jackson Pollock

He moved away from the traditional easel, choosing instead to lay his canvases directly upon the floor. He did not merely apply paint; he dripped, splashed, and flung it from above, letting the liquid fall in unpredictable patterns. He was among the first American painters to be recognized as a peer of the great 20th-century European masters, proving that a new, visceral language could emerge from the soil of the United States.

Where to see In New York City, the Museum of Modern Art holds several of his canvases, allowing viewers to stand before the sprawling, uncentered compositions that defined his era.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

2of 76

Gerhard Richter

German Born in Dresden Wikipedia in 28/32 languages

Gerhard Richter

After dropping out of school at age fifteen, Richter enters the industrial landscape of post-war Germany. From 1957 to 1961, he remains within the academy's structure, working as a master trainee. In 1972, he represented West Germany at the Venice Biennale, a moment that solidified his standing on the international stage.

Where to see The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

3of 76

Willem de Kooning

Dutch-American Born in Rotterdam Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 30/32 languages

Willem de Kooning

The evenings belong to the Academie van Beeldende Kunsten en Technische Wetenschappen. From his teenage years until 1924, he attends these classes in Rotterdam, balancing the demands of work with the study of formal art. He moves through a landscape of ideas, absorbing the influence of Stuart Davis and John Graham, whose presence helps steer his vocabulary away from literal depiction.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

4of 76

Jasper Johns

American Born in Augusta Wikipedia in 24/32 languages

Jasper Johns

This method allows for a physical depth that sits on the canvas, sometimes incorporating collage and newsprint directly into the wax. These layers do not suggest a quick, spontaneous gesture. Later, in 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Where to see To see his paintings and sculptures in person, one might travel to New York City.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

5of 76

Mark Rothko

American Born in Daugavpils ['Color Field painting', 'Abstract Expressionism']

Mark Rothko

The move to New York City in 1923 brought a shift in focus. By 1940, he made the decision to change his name to Mark Rothko. His paintings are recognized as some of the most significant works of 20th-century art, often found in the permanent collections of major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

Where to see To stand before his canvases is to experience the weight of color in a quiet room.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

6of 76

Arshile Gorky

Armenian-American Born in Dilkaya Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 24/32 languages

Arshile Gorky

His practice was not confined to the classroom; he spent much of his time at the Museums of Fine Arts, Boston, studying the old masters. His early paintings show the influence of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. He acted as a bridge, connecting the Surrealist painters of Europe to the emerging American movement.

Where to see To see the physical traces of his hand, one might travel to Washington, D.C.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

8of 76

Helen Frankenthaler

American Born in Manhattan Abstract Expressionism, Color Field Wikipedia in 19/32 languages

Helen Frankenthaler

While celebrated for her pioneering work with stain painting, Helen Frankenthaler was an artist of relentless experimentation. Throughout her career, Frankenthaler fearlessly explored diverse media, including ceramics, sculpture, tapestry, and printmaking – particularly woodcuts. Frankenthaler’s impact on the art world was recognized early in her career with inclusion in the influential “Fifteen Unknowns” exhibition in 1950 and her first solo show at Tibor de Nagy Gallery in 1951.

Pupil of Hans Hofmann #20

Signature works · The 100 signature works

9of 76

Cy Twombly

American Born in Lexington Abstract Expressionism, Postmodern Wikipedia in 21/32 languages

Cy Twombly

Throughout the 1960s, Twombly’s style began to coalesce around a distinctive vocabulary of scribbled lines, gestural marks, and fragmented words on expansive canvases. Cold Stream (1966), with its swirling loops and bold text, is a powerful example of this evocative style. He paved the way for painters like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Anselm Kiefer, Francesco Clemente, and Julian Schnabel, who embraced a similar spirit of experimentation and emotional intensity.

Pupil of Franz Kline #15, Robert Motherwell #14

Signature works · The 100 signature works

11of 76

František Kupka

Czech Born in Opočno ['Realism', 'Symbolism', 'Orphism', 'Cubism', 'Abstraction'] Wikipedia in 24/32 languages

František Kupka

The move to Paris in 1894 changed the direction of his work. The paintings from this era show a departure from the representational style he had practiced in Prague and Vienna. His creative output is often viewed alongside the works of Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky, marking a shift toward a visual language that prioritized the interaction of color and shape over the depiction of the physical world.

Where to see To see his canvases in person, one might travel to New York City.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

12of 76

Lee Krasner

American Born in Brooklyn Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 17/32 languages

Lee Krasner

From her early days at Washington Irving High School for Girls, where a focused course in visual arts first ignited her creative spirit, to her rigorous training at Cooper Union’s Women's Art School, Krasner possessed a foundational discipline that would later serve as the bedrock for her most radical experiments.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

13of 76

Hans Hartung

German-French Born in Leipzig Gestural Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 15/32 languages

Hans Hartung

His formative years were steeped in the emotive power of European Expressionism, drawing strength from the works of Rembrandt and the raw, visceral energy of German painters such as Lovis Corinth and Emil Nolde. Despite the profound disruptions caused by his experiences as a World War II veteran, he emerged with a renewed vigor, continuing to push the boundaries of abstract expression.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

14of 76

Robert Motherwell

American Born in Aberdeen Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 16/32 languages

Robert Motherwell

Robert Motherwell (January 24, 1915 – July 16, 1991) stands as one of the most influential figures in American Abstract Expressionism, a movement that irrevocably altered the course of twentieth-century art. The Surrealist Encounter: A pivotal moment arrived in 1940 when Motherwell relocated to New York City and enrolled at Columbia University under Meyer Shapiro’s guidance.

Teacher of Cy Twombly #9

Signature works · The 100 signature works

15of 76

Franz Kline

American Born in Wilkes-Barre Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 17/32 languages

Franz Kline

His “Hot Jazz” mural series from 1940, commissioned for a Greenwich Village tavern, signaled a shift towards simplification, hinting at the bold forms to come. However, it was a pivotal encounter with Willem de Kooning in 1948 that truly unlocked his abstract potential. He exhibited at prestigious galleries like Egan Gallery and Sidney Janis Gallery, participated in the Venice Biennale in 1960 (receiving the Italian Ministry of Public Instruction Prize), and taught at Black Mountain College and Pratt Institute.

Teacher of Cy Twombly #9

Signature works · The 100 signature works

16of 76

Zao Wou-Ki

Born in Beijing ['1920s Art Deco', 'Expressionism', 'Abstract art'] Wikipedia in 12/32 languages

Zao Wou-Ki

While precise details regarding this artist's early life are limited, it’s reasonable to assume that the tumultuous years following World War I profoundly shaped their artistic trajectory. The influence of earlier movements such as Impressionism and Post-Impressionism is also likely present, providing a foundation upon which to build more radical departures. Furthermore, the burgeoning interest in psychology, spearheaded by figures like Sigmund Freud, fueled explorations into the hidden depths of the human psyche—a theme that would become increasingly prominent in their work.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

17of 76

Clyfford Still

American Born in Grandin Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 12/32 languages

Clyfford Still

The transformation from representational work to the radical abstraction for which Still is celebrated occurred between 1938 and 1942, a period of intense experimentation and self-discovery. He sought to strip away all recognizable imagery, believing that true artistic expression lay in confronting the fundamental elements of painting itself – color, form, and surface. In 1959, a comprehensive retrospective of his work at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, solidified his reputation as a major force in American art.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

18of 76

Richard Diebenkorn

American Born in Portland ['Abstract Expressionism', 'Bay Area Figurative', 'Lyrical Abstraction'] Wikipedia in 9/32 languages

Richard Diebenkorn

His family’s relocation to San Francisco when he was just two years old proved formative, imbuing his artistic sensibility with the light and atmosphere of California—a landscape that would become inextricably linked to his work. Hopper’s influence is readily apparent in Diebenkorn's early paintings, characterized by a quiet introspection and a masterful handling of light and shadow. Richard Diebenkorn’s influence on postwar American art is undeniable.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

19of 76

Aaron Siskind

American Born in New York Abstract Expressionism

Aaron Siskind

Aaron Siskind, born in the vibrant heart of New York City in 1903, stands as a pivotal figure in American photography—a bridge between the documentary impulse and the burgeoning world of Abstract Expressionism. He spent two decades at the Illinois Institute of Technology (1951-1970), shaping the minds of aspiring photographers at its Institute of Design, and continued his teaching career at the Rhode Island School of Design (1971-1976) alongside Harry Callahan.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

20of 76

Hans Hofmann

German-American Born in Weißenburg in Bayern Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 14/32 languages

Hans Hofmann

His works are now held in prestigious collections worldwide – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tate Modern, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, National Gallery of Art, and Art Institute of Chicago among them—ensuring that his vibrant vision continues to inspire generations to come.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

21of 76

Adolph Gottlieb

American Born in New York City Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 12/32 languages

Adolph Gottlieb

A crucial moment arrived in 1935 when Gottlieb joined forces with artists like Mark Rothko and John D. Graham to form “The Ten,” later known as the New York Artists Painters group. Throughout his career, Adolph Gottlieb exhibited widely in both the United States and Europe, gaining recognition for his unique contribution to American art.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

22of 76

Jean-Paul Riopelle

Canadian Born in Montreal Lyrical Abstraction Wikipedia in 14/32 languages

Jean-Paul Riopelle

Les Automatistes: Riopelle was a member of Les Automatistes in the 1940s, embracing Surrealist principles and exploring spontaneous creation. Shift from Surrealism: After a brief association with the Surrealists, Riopelle moved towards Lyrical Abstraction, a style related to Abstract Expressionism. He is considered a leading artist of French Lyrical Abstraction.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

23of 76

Yoo Youngkuk

Korean Born in Ulchin Abstract painting

Yoo Youngkuk

Throughout the 1950s and early 60s, Yoo Youngkuk’s artistic style underwent a significant transformation. Following his participation in the São Paulo Biennial in 1963, Yoo experienced a period of artistic consolidation, withdrawing from group activities to focus on solo exhibitions held every other year for two decades. Yoo Youngkuk's contributions to Korean modern art were widely recognized during his lifetime, culminating in a survey by Monthly Art magazine that hailed him as the most outstanding artist among over a hundred of his contemporaries.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

24of 76

Ad Reinhardt

American Born in Buffalo Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism Wikipedia in 12/32 languages

Ad Reinhardt

Even his involvement in protests – against MoMA in the 1940s, with “The Irascibles” against the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 1950s, and through a lithograph for Artists and Writers Protest Against the Vietnam War in 1967—demonstrated a commitment to artistic freedom and social responsibility.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

25of 76

Mark Tobey

American Born in Centerville Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 14/32 languages

Mark Tobey

There, he encountered Teng Kuei, a Chinese painter who initiated him into the art of Eastern penmanship – a revelation that would become central to his artistic identity. Tobey’s travels became increasingly frequent and purposeful, taking him across Europe, Palestine, Turkey, Lebanon, China, and Japan. His work was exhibited widely in Europe and the United States, earning him numerous awards and accolades.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

26of 76

Paul Jenkins

American Born in Kansas City Abstract Expressionism

Paul Jenkins

In his works, such as the evocative Untitled (664) or the energetic Phenomena compass bearing, one can witness the breathtaking interplay of light and liquid. Controlled Chance: A deliberate embrace of gravity and fluid dynamics to produce organic, unpredictable forms. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1923, his artistic journey began with formal training at the Art Students League of New York under the guidance of Yasuo Kuniyoshi.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

28of 76

Richard Art Hambleton

Canadian Born in Tofino Street art, Conceptual art

Richard Art Hambleton

Crucially, he established Pumps Centre for Alternative Art in Vancouver, a space that served as both a gallery and performance venue – a testament to his early commitment to challenging conventional artistic boundaries. This environment fostered experimentation and provided a platform for emerging artists, mirroring the ethos he would later embody through his public interventions. His work laid the groundwork for interventions by artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey, demonstrating the potential of art to disrupt urban landscapes and engage with social commentary.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

29of 76

George Ștefănescu-Râmnic

Romanian-German Born in Pǎlăneşti Expressionism, Fauvism, Abstract Expressionism

George Ștefănescu-Râmnic

By drawing inspiration from the folk arts of Romania while embracing the avant-garde movements of Europe, he created a body of work that remains a testament to the power of color to communicate the unspoken depths of the human experience.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

30of 76

Daan Lemaire

Dutch Born in Naarden Abstract Expressionism

Daan Lemaire

Following his expulsion from the academy, Lemaire’s artistic practice underwent a significant transformation. Initially influenced by surrealist principles—a legacy of his early encounters with Willy Boers —Lemaire gradually moved towards a more purely abstract approach in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While he may not be as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries—such as Karel Appel or Barnett Newman —his work possesses a quiet intensity and a profound emotional resonance that continues to captivate viewers.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

31of 76

George Edgar Ohr

American Born in Biloxi Abstract Expressionism

George Edgar Ohr

Ohr wasn't simply a potter; he was an explorer of form, texture, and glaze, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of what ceramic art could be. He embraced the moniker “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” not as a dismissal, but as a proud declaration of his unconventional approach and unwavering dedication to artistic freedom. He returned to Biloxi determined to forge his own path, establishing his “Biloxi Art and Novelty Pottery” where he could fully realize his artistic vision.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

32of 76

William Baziotes

American Born in Pittsburgh Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

William Baziotes

Within the vibrant, often turbulent constellation of the New York School, few artists captured the ethereal boundary between the conscious mind and the primordial subconscious as poignantly as William Baziotes. Alongside luminaries such as Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, and David Hare, Baziotes co-founded the Subjects of the Artist School in 1948.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

34of 76

Theodoros Stamos

Greek-American Born in New York City Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

Theodoros Stamos

Perhaps most significantly, Stamos forged close friendships with Barnett Newman and Mark Rothko, sharing a common interest in primitive imagery and the spiritual dimensions of art. The influence of East Asian aesthetics, particularly Zen Buddhism and calligraphy, is evident in his Tea House Series, demonstrating an openness to non-Western traditions and their minimalist principles.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

35of 76

Shakir Hassan Al-Said

Born in Baghdad

Shakir Hassan Al-Said

Upon returning to Baghdad, Al Said immersed himself in the study of Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti’s work, a significant figure in Islamic miniature painting. The poetry and philosophy of Mansur al-Hallaj, a controversial Sufi mystic, also played a crucial role in shaping his aesthetic sensibilities.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

37of 76

Ruth Asawa

American Born in Norwalk Modernism, Sculpture Wikipedia in 11/32 languages

Ruth Asawa

At Black Mountain, she found herself immersed in a vibrant community of artists and thinkers, including Josef Albers, whose teachings on color theory would deeply influence her work, and Buckminster Fuller, the visionary architect known for his geodesic domes. Fifteen of her wire sculptures are permanently displayed in the de Young Museum’s Hamon Observation Tower in San Francisco, offering visitors an immersive experience within her delicate creations.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

38of 76

Rochelle Reznik Blumenfeld

American Born in Pittsburgh Abstract Art

Rochelle Reznik Blumenfeld

On one hand, she was profoundly moved by the grace of dance, most notably through her series inspired by Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Company and the iconic ballet Revelations. Through these motifs, she explored how light plays upon surfaces, creating works like Skylights, where shadows and sudden illumination evoke the dramatic tension of a mountain landscape under a passing storm. From the Bicentennial Exhibit of “American Painters in Paris” in France to showcases at the Copley Society of Art in Boston and the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Pennsylvania, her presence in the art world was both enduring and widespread.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

39of 76

Requena Nozal

Spanish Born in Zaragoza Encaustic & Abstract Expressionism

Requena Nozal

Requena Nozal, born in Zaragoza, Spain in 1947, stands as a singular figure within the landscape of contemporary Spanish art. Abstract Expressionist Roots: Drawing inspiration from giants like Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock, Nozal skillfully incorporates techniques characteristic of abstract expressionism —splattering, dripping, layering—to generate dynamic compositions brimming with energy and spontaneity. Requena Nozal’s contribution to contemporary art extends beyond his individual creations.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

40of 76

Alma Thomas

Born in Columbus Wikipedia in 6/32 languages

Alma Thomas

Key Influences: She drew inspiration from West African paintings, Byzantine mosaics, and the color field movement. She was inspired by Matisse’s cutouts, notably reinterpreting “The Snail” in her painting “ Watusi (Hard Edge).”. Her exposure to the work of the New York School and Abstract Expressionism at American University significantly impacted her artistic direction.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

41of 76

Grace Hartigan

American Born in Newark Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

Grace Hartigan

The “Brides” series, inspired by the mannequins in bridal shop windows along Grand Street in Manhattan, emerged as a powerful exploration of societal expectations surrounding women and marriage, culminating in celebrated works like “Grand Streets Brides” (1954). Her paintings are held in numerous major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Guggenheim, ensuring that her contributions to American art will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

44of 76

Geta Brătescu

Romanian Born in Ploiesti Conceptual art, Performance art

Geta Brătescu

For Brătescu, the line wasn't merely a formal element; it was a fundamental tool for definition, measurement, and conveying movement—a way to map both physical space and inner states. Her exploration extended beyond static representation into performative realms, using the line to delineate space and trace the boundaries of selfhood. In 2015, she had her first UK solo exhibition at Tate Liverpool, bringing her work to an international audience, culminating in representing Romania at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017—a landmark moment in her career.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

45of 76

Hedda Sterne

Romanian-American Born in Bucharest Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

Hedda Sterne

Her journey from the vibrant avant-garde scene of pre-war Europe to the heart of the New York School is a testament to her resilience, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering dedication to artistic exploration. While she achieved recognition during her lifetime, including exhibitions at prominent galleries and museums, Sterne’s work has gained increasing attention in recent years as scholars and curators reassess the contributions of women artists within the Abstract Expressionist movement.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

46of 76

Alan Davie

Scottish Born in Grangemouth Zen Painting Style, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 7/32 languages

Alan Davie

James Alan Davie (September 28, 1920 – April 5, 2014) was a Scottish painter and musician whose distinctive style fused abstract expressionism with influences from Zen Buddhism and surrealist art. Zen Buddhism’s Impact: A pivotal moment arrived when Davie encountered Eugen Herrigel's book “Zen in the Art of Archery,” sparking an interest in Zen philosophy. He remains an influential artist whose work continues to inspire contemporary artists and collectors alike, embodying a spirit of experimentation and unwavering devotion to conveying profound symbolic meaning.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

48of 76

Sam Gilliam

American Born in Tupelo Color Field Painting Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

Sam Gilliam

The emotional intensity of German Expressionists like Emil Nolde and Paul Klee resonated with him, as did the work of Nathan Oliveira from the Bay Area figurative school. Even Paul Cézanne’s exploration of form and space left its mark on his evolving style. Harris Prize from the Art Institute of Chicago and received an Artist's Fellowship from the Washington Gallery of Modern Art.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

49of 76

James Brooks

American Born in St. Louis Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 6/32 languages

James Brooks

Shifted towards Abstract Expressionism, influenced by Surrealist principles. Often used numbers and letters to identify paintings, incorporating nonsense syllables as titles (e.g., Pask, Burwak, Jondol). Died on March 9, 1992, in East Hampton, New York.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

50of 76

Abraham Rattner

American Born in Poughkeepsie Expressionism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Abraham Rattner

Participating in significant battles like the Second Battle of the Marne, Château-Thierry, and Belleau Wood, Rattner wasn’t merely an observer of conflict; he was actively engaged in concealing it—a paradoxical role for an artist whose later work would be defined by its raw emotional honesty. His artwork gained recognition in prominent museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, solidifying his place within the canon of American art.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

51of 76

Jack Armstrong

Jack Armstrong

Armstrong’s early career focused on commercial art, creating illustrations for magazines, advertisements, and packaging. These early works featured meticulously rendered images of 1950s gas stations, chrome-laden automobiles, and brightly colored storefronts. American Regionalism: The focus on distinctly American subjects and landscapes connects him to artists like Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

52of 76

Milton Resnick

American Born in Bratslav Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Milton Resnick

Throughout his career, Milton Resnick exhibited widely in prominent galleries including the Poindexter Gallery, Howard Wise Gallery, Max Hutchinson, and Robert Miller, gaining critical acclaim for his unique vision.

Pupil of Hans Hofmann #20

Signature works · The 100 signature works

53of 76

Alice Rahon

French/Mexican Born in Chenecey-Buillon Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 6/32 languages

Alice Rahon

A pivotal journey in 1939 alongside her husband, Austrian artist Wolfgang Paalen, and photographer Eva Sulzer, dramatically altered Rahon’s artistic trajectory. What began as an intended brief respite from the looming shadow of World War II evolved into a decades-long exile from Europe, leading the couple to Mexico City. Rahon’s work, deeply rooted in both European Surrealism and Mexican indigenous traditions, played a crucial role in bridging these artistic worlds.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

54of 76

Fernando de Szyszlo

Peruvian Born in Lima Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Fernando de Szyszlo

Beyond his canvas, Szyszlo was a humanist and an educator, serving as a professor of art at Cornell University and contributing significantly to the intellectual life of his country.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

56of 76

Norman Lewis

American Born in Harlem Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Norman Lewis

Norman Wilfred Lewis, born in Harlem, New York City, in 1909, emerged as a pivotal figure in the American art landscape of the mid-20th century. This commitment is reflected in works like Jazz Musicians (1948), which visually captures the energy and innovation of bebop music—a defining sound of Harlem’s postwar era.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

57of 76

Chu Teh-Chun

Chinese-French Born in Baytu Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Chu Teh-Chun

There, under the tutelage of influential figures like Fang Ganmin and Wu Dayu, he received rigorous training in both Western art principles and traditional Chinese painting techniques from Pan Tianshou. This shared ambition to bridge Eastern and Western artistic traditions fueled their individual explorations and collectively shaped the landscape of modern Chinese painting. His 1956 oil painting "Portrait of Tung Ching-chao," a tribute to his wife, won a silver medal at the Paris Salon and was hailed by Wu Guanzhong as the “Mona Lisa of the East,” a testament to its emotional depth and artistic innovation.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

59of 76

Tomie Ohtake

Japanese-Brazilian Born in Kyoto Informal abstractionism Wikipedia in 8/32 languages

Tomie Ohtake

tomie ohtake was the mother of architects ruy ohtake and ricardo ohtake. she passed away on february 12, 2015, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy in the world of visual art.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

61of 76

Nicola De Maria

Italian Born in Foglianise Transavanguardia Wikipedia in 5/32 languages

Nicola De Maria

A defining characteristic of De Maria’s practice is his exploration of wall paintings. His 1980 Venice Biennale contribution, “Space Paintings,” further solidified his reputation as a pioneer in this medium. His art is held in prestigious collections worldwide, including those of the Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea in Turin and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

62of 76

Ian Davenport

English Born in Sidcup Abstract painter Wikipedia in 4/32 languages

Ian Davenport

Born in Sidcup, United Kingdom, Davenport has carved out a singular space in the art world through a practice that masterfully marries chance and control. After studying at Northwich College of Art and Design in Cheshire, he moved on to graduate from Goldsmiths College in 1988. Notable achievements include: The Southwark Bridge Commission: A large-scale public work entitled Poured Lines: Southwark, unveiled beneath the arches of the bridge.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

64of 76

Melvin Edwards

American Born in Houston Abstract Sculpture Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

Melvin Edwards

As he moved through the integrated landscapes of Ohio and eventually to California in 1955, Edwards began a transformative journey that would lead him from the foundational disciplines of painting at UCLA to the rugged, industrial mastery of welding and steel assemblage.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

66of 76

John Hoyland

British Born in Sheffield Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

John Hoyland

He exhibited extensively at Waddington Galleries in London and also found representation in New York with Robert Elkon Gallery and André Emmerich Gallery, expanding his reach to an international audience. Major retrospectives at the Serpentine Gallery (1979), the Royal Academy (1999), and Tate St Ives (2006) cemented his position as a leading figure in British art. His artistic lineage was broad, encompassing admiration for masters like Matisse, Van Gogh, Rouault, and Chaïm Soutine alongside the American giants who had so captivated him.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

67of 76

Carl Gustaf Nelson

American Born in Hörby Abstract sculpture, Assemblage Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Carl Gustaf Nelson

Nevelson studied at the Art Students League of New York, learning from instructors like Hans Hofmann and Chaim Gross. Early experimentation included found objects, painting, and printing before focusing on sculpture. Louise Nevelson, born Leah Berliawsky in the Poltava Governorate of the Russian Empire (present-day Ukraine), emigrated to the United States with her family in 1905.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

68of 76

Fritz Bultman

American Born in New Orleans Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Fritz Bultman

In 1935, as a young student, Bultman traveled to Munich, a period that would fundamentally reshape his artistic DNA. This connection proved transformative; under the guidance of Hofmann’s rigorous approach to color and space, Bultman moved toward New York and Provincetown, absorbing the burgeoning energy of American avant-garde art. By signing this historic letter alongside giants like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, Bultman helped assert the legitimacy of modernism in the American consciousness.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

69of 76

Frank Hinder

Australian Born in Summer Hill Modernism, Abstract Art Wikipedia in 2/32 languages

Frank Hinder

modernist sculpture: hinder's work in this area is considered a benchmark for australian modernism. art education: as an art teacher, he influenced generations of artists, shaping the country's artistic landscape.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

70of 76

Eugene Grigsby, Jr.

American Born in Greensboro Abstract/Expressionism Wikipedia in 2/32 languages

Eugene Grigsby, Jr.

Smith University before he transferred to Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he studied under the renowned social activist and artist Hale Woodruff – an influence that would profoundly shape his artistic vision.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

72of 76

Rosemarie Beck

American Born in Westchester County Abstract Expressionism & Figurative Expressionism Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Rosemarie Beck

Her tenure at institutions such as Queens College, Vassar College, and the New York Studio School allowed her to pass on her rigorous approach to both technique and concept. Her contributions are preserved in some of the world's most esteemed institutions, including: The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

73of 76

Maurice Cockrill

British Born in Hartlepool Pop Realism, Romantic Expressionism Wikipedia in 1/32 languages

Maurice Cockrill

He quickly immersed himself in the city’s vibrant art scene, teaching at St Helen’s School of Art and later at Liverpool Polytechnic. This period witnessed a significant shift in his style – a move away from purely representational approaches towards a more expressive and evocative mode of painting. His work has been exhibited widely throughout Britain and internationally, including retrospectives at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Kunstmuseum in Düsseldorf, and the Royal West of England Academy.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

74of 76

Claudio Verna

Italian Born in Guardiagrele Pittura Analitica, Minimalism

Claudio Verna

Claudio Verna, born in the picturesque town of Guardiagrele, Italy, in 1937, embarked on an artistic journey that would establish him as a pivotal figure in Italian post-war painting. In 2008, Verna received the esteemed “Antonio Feltrinelli” Prize for painting from the National Academy of the Lincei, a testament to his significant contributions to the art world.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

75of 76

Gary Wragg

British Born in High Wycombe Abstract color field

Gary Wragg

These fields aren't merely decorative; they function as conduits for emotional expression, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in their depths. The works are not about depicting anything specific but rather about conveying an atmosphere, a mood, or a state of being. He employs broad, sweeping brushstrokes to build layers of color—often utilizing a restricted palette of blues, greens, yellows, and reds—that coalesce into luminous fields.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

76of 76

Yasha Cyrinski

British Born in Paris Contemporary Art; Abstract Expressionism

Yasha Cyrinski

She draws significant inspiration from the titans of Abstract Expressionism, such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. Acrylic Paint: Employed to build layered, striking compositions where color and form collide with vigor.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

Signature works

Signature Abstract Expressionist works

  1. One. Number 31, 1950 by Jackson Pollock

    One. Number 31, 1950

    Jackson Pollock

  2. Motorboat by Gerhard Richter

    Motorboat

    Gerhard Richter

    1965

  3. Woman I by Willem de Kooning

    Woman I

    Willem de Kooning

    1952

  4. Flag by Jasper Johns

    Flag

    Jasper Johns

  5. Violet, Black, Orange, Yellow on White and Red by Mark Rothko

    Violet, Black, Orange, Yellow on White and Red

    Mark Rothko

    1949

  6. The Artist with His Mother by Arshile Gorky

    The Artist with His Mother

    Arshile Gorky

    1936 · Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

  7. Untitled by Alexander Calder

    Untitled

    Alexander Calder

    Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze, Florence

A timeline

Abstract Expressionist through its signature works

  1. 1929
  2. 1936
  3. 1947
  4. 1949
  5. 1952
  6. 1958
  7. 1958
  8. 1961
  9. 1966
  10. 1967
  11. 1968
  12. 1985
  13. 1992
  14. 2007

Figures

The figures

Every name

List of 76 famous Abstract Expressionist artists, every name

  1. 1Jackson PollockJackson PollockAmerican · 1912–1956
  2. 2Gerhard RichterGerhard RichterGerman · born 1932
  3. 3Willem de KooningWillem de KooningDutch-American · 1904–1997
  4. 4Jasper JohnsJasper JohnsAmerican · born 1930
  5. 5Mark RothkoMark RothkoAmerican · 1903–1970
  6. 6Arshile GorkyArshile GorkyArmenian-American · 1904–1948
  7. 7Alexander CalderAlexander CalderScottish-American · 1898–1976
  8. 8Helen FrankenthalerHelen FrankenthalerAmerican · 1928–2011
  9. 9Cy TwomblyCy TwomblyAmerican · 1928–2011
  10. 10Barnett NewmanBarnett NewmanAmerican · 1905–1970
  11. 11František KupkaFrantišek KupkaCzech · 1871–1957
  12. 12Lee KrasnerLee KrasnerAmerican · 1908–1984
  13. 13Hans HartungHans HartungGerman-French · 1904–1989
  14. 14Robert MotherwellRobert MotherwellAmerican · 1915–1991
  15. 15Franz KlineFranz KlineAmerican · 1910–1962
  16. 16Zao Wou-KiZao Wou-Ki1920–2013
  17. 17Clyfford StillClyfford StillAmerican · 1904–1980
  18. 18Richard DiebenkornRichard DiebenkornAmerican · 1922–1993
  19. 19Aaron SiskindAaron SiskindAmerican · 1903–1991
  20. 20Hans HofmannHans HofmannGerman-American · 1880–1966
  21. 21Adolph GottliebAdolph GottliebAmerican · 1903–1974
  22. 22Jean-Paul RiopelleJean-Paul RiopelleCanadian · 1923–2002
  23. 23Yoo YoungkukYoo YoungkukKorean · 1916–2002
  24. 24Ad ReinhardtAd ReinhardtAmerican · 1913–1967
  25. 25Mark TobeyMark TobeyAmerican · 1890–1976
  26. 26Paul JenkinsPaul JenkinsAmerican · 1923–2012
  27. 27Etel AdnanEtel AdnanAmerican · 1925–2021
  28. 28Richard Art HambletonRichard Art HambletonCanadian · 1952–2017
  29. 29George Ștefănescu-RâmnicGeorge Ștefănescu-RâmnicRomanian-German · 1914–2007
  30. 30Daan LemaireDaan LemaireDutch · born 1942
  31. 31George Edgar OhrGeorge Edgar OhrAmerican · 1857–1918
  32. 32William BaziotesWilliam BaziotesAmerican · 1912–1963
  33. 33David SmithDavid SmithUnited States · 1906–1965
  34. 34Theodoros StamosTheodoros StamosGreek-American · 1922–1997
  35. 35Shakir Hassan Al-SaidShakir Hassan Al-Said1925–2004
  36. 36Bernie CaseyBernie CaseyAmerican · 1939–2017
  37. 37Ruth AsawaRuth AsawaAmerican · 1926–2013
  38. 38Rochelle Reznik BlumenfeldRochelle Reznik BlumenfeldAmerican · born 1936
  39. 39Requena NozalRequena NozalSpanish · born 1947
  40. 40Alma ThomasAlma Thomas1891–1978
  41. 41Grace HartiganGrace HartiganAmerican · 1922–2008
  42. 42Norman BluhmNorman Bluhm1921–1999
  43. 43Yi EungroYi EungroKorean-French · 1904–1989
  44. 44Geta BrătescuGeta BrătescuRomanian · 1926–2018
  45. 45Hedda SterneHedda SterneRomanian-American · 1910–2011
  46. 46Alan DavieAlan DavieScottish · 1920–2014
  47. 47George StefanescuGeorge Stefanescu
  48. 48Sam GilliamSam GilliamAmerican · 1933–2022
  49. 49James BrooksJames BrooksAmerican · 1906–1992
  50. 50Abraham RattnerAbraham RattnerAmerican · 1893–1978
  51. 51Jack ArmstrongJack Armstrong
  52. 52Milton ResnickMilton ResnickAmerican · 1917–2004
  53. 53Alice RahonAlice RahonFrench/Mexican · 1904–1987
  54. 54Fernando de SzyszloFernando de SzyszloPeruvian · 1925–2017
  55. 55Beauford DelaneyBeauford DelaneyFrench · 1901–1979
  56. 56Norman LewisNorman LewisAmerican · 1909–1979
  57. 57Chu Teh-ChunChu Teh-ChunChinese-French · 1920–2014
  58. 58Terry FrostTerry FrostBritish · 1915–2003
  59. 59Tomie OhtakeTomie OhtakeJapanese-Brazilian · 1913–2015
  60. 60Patrick HeronPatrick HeronBritish · 1920–1999
  61. 61Nicola De MariaNicola De MariaItalian · born 1954
  62. 62Ian DavenportIan DavenportEnglish · born 1966
  63. 63Anne RyanAnne RyanAmerican · 1889–1954
  64. 64Melvin EdwardsMelvin EdwardsAmerican · 1937–2026
  65. 65Ulfert WilkeUlfert WilkeGerman-American · 1907–1987
  66. 66John HoylandJohn HoylandBritish · 1934–2011
  67. 67Carl Gustaf NelsonCarl Gustaf NelsonAmerican · 1898–1988
  68. 68Fritz BultmanFritz BultmanAmerican · 1919–1985
  69. 69Frank HinderFrank HinderAustralian · 1906–1992
  70. 70Eugene Grigsby, Jr.Eugene Grigsby, Jr.American · 1918–2013
  71. 71Taro YamamotoTaro Yamamoto1919–1994
  72. 72Rosemarie BeckRosemarie BeckAmerican · 1923–2003
  73. 73Maurice CockrillMaurice CockrillBritish · 1936–2013
  74. 74Claudio VernaClaudio VernaItalian · born 1937
  75. 75Gary WraggGary WraggBritish · born 1946
  76. 76Yasha CyrinskiYasha CyrinskiBritish · born 1959

Questions

Your questions

Read

Stories on OriginalUniqueArt.com

Other movements

Famous artists of other movements

Other periods

Famous artists across the periods

Famous paintings

Masterpieces that inspire us, by movement

Discover more

More artists to discover