Jackson Pollock

Biography

Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) was an American painter and a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, known for his revolutionary drip painting technique. Born on January 28, 1912, in Cody, Wyoming, Pollock grew up in Arizona and California before moving to New York, where he studied under Thomas Hart Benton and became involved with avant-garde artists and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) art programs.

Pollock’s work is characterized by large-scale canvases, dynamic compositions, and innovative methods of applying paint, such as dripping, pouring, and flinging directly onto the canvas. His most famous pieces, including Number 1 (Lavender Mist) (1950) and Blue Poles (1952), exemplify his exploration of movement, energy, and the subconscious. Pollock sought to convey emotion and spontaneity through his process, emphasizing the act of painting itself as an integral part of the artwork.

Despite his success, Pollock struggled with personal challenges, including alcoholism, which affected his life and career. He died in a car accident on August 11, 1956. Today, Jackson Pollock is celebrated as a pioneering force in modern art, whose innovative techniques reshaped painting and influenced generations of artists worldwide.