Jackson Pollock

Who Was Jackson Pollock?

Jackson Pollock was a pioneering American painter who played a crucial role in the development of abstract expressionism. His innovative painting techniques, such as pouring and dripping paint directly onto the canvas, made him a central figure in modern art. Known for his “action painting” style, Pollock’s work garnered both widespread acclaim and criticism. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1956 when he died in a car crash at the age of 44.

Early Life

Paul Jackson Pollock was born on January 28, 1912, in Cody, Wyoming. His father, LeRoy Pollock, was a farmer and government land surveyor, while his mother, Stella May McClure, was known for her strong will and artistic ambitions. Pollock was the youngest of five brothers, and his early life was marked by frequent relocations across the Western U.S., including Arizona and California. After his father left the family when Pollock was eight, his older brother Charles, an artist, became a father figure and major influence on Pollock’s artistic aspirations.

While living in Los Angeles, Pollock attended Manual Arts High School, where he first explored his passion for art. However, his rebellious nature led to his expulsion on multiple occasions, and he eventually left school to fully dedicate himself to art.

New York and Artistic Beginnings

In 1930, Pollock moved to New York City to join Charles, and began studying under renowned painter Thomas Hart Benton at the Art Students League. Benton, a representational regionalist painter, became a significant mentor for Pollock, who also formed a close bond with Benton’s family.

During the Great Depression, Pollock worked for the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), a government initiative under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This program allowed Pollock to work alongside contemporaries such as Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and José Clemente Orozco, creating public murals and developing his craft.

However, Pollock struggled with alcoholism, a lifelong battle that began during this period. He sought psychiatric treatment in 1937, which introduced him to Jungian ideas of symbolism and Native American art—both of which would later influence his work.

Love and Recognition

In the early 1940s, Pollock met Lee Krasner, a fellow painter, who would become his lifelong partner and artistic advocate. Around the same time, he caught the attention of influential art collector Peggy Guggenheim. She signed Pollock to a contract, providing financial stability and artistic freedom. Pollock and Krasner married in 1945 and moved to a farmhouse in East Hampton, Long Island, which became both a sanctuary and a creative space for Pollock.

It was in his barn studio that Pollock developed his iconic “drip” technique. This innovative approach involved dripping or pouring paint directly onto canvases placed on the floor, allowing Pollock to physically engage with his work in an expressive, gestural manner.

The ‘Drip Period’ and Rise to Fame

Pollock’s most famous works emerged during his “drip period” from 1947 to 1950. His popularity surged after a 1949 Life magazine article asked, “Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?” This widespread attention catapulted Pollock into the national spotlight, making him the face of American modern art. Despite this success, the pressure of fame weighed heavily on him, leading to bouts of self-doubt and continued struggles with alcoholism.

His solo exhibitions during this time were met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. Yet, as his fame grew, so did the criticism from art circles, and Pollock himself became increasingly unsure of his work, often relying on Krasner for guidance.

Later Years and Decline

By the early 1950s, Pollock’s work shifted away from the vibrant colors of his drip paintings toward darker, more somber tones. He also abandoned his drip technique, experimenting with black-and-white compositions that were less well-received. His personal life deteriorated further as he relapsed into heavy drinking, and his relationships with fellow artists and supporters became strained.

In the face of mounting pressure from collectors and critics, Pollock struggled to maintain his artistic momentum. Despite completing works like The Deep—now regarded as masterpieces—his personal demons continued to take their toll.

Death and Legacy

On August 11, 1956, Jackson Pollock died in a car accident while driving under the influence. He was 44 years old. Despite his untimely death, Pollock’s influence on the art world endures. His radical techniques and bold departure from traditional methods solidified his place as one of the most influential painters of the 20th century, and his work continues to inspire generations of artists.

Downfall and Death

By the mid-1950s, Jackson Pollock’s life had entered a steep decline. His marriage to fellow artist Lee Krasner became strained under the weight of Pollock’s growing alcoholism and erratic behavior. Krasner, increasingly overwhelmed by his needs, found it impossible to work herself. Pollock’s mental and physical health deteriorated, and he began seeing other women. By 1956, he had stopped painting altogether, and their marriage was on the verge of collapse. In an effort to salvage their relationship, Krasner reluctantly left for Paris, hoping to give Pollock the space he needed.

Tragically, on the night of August 11, 1956, Pollock, while intoxicated, crashed his car into a tree near their Long Island home. Ruth Kligman, his girlfriend at the time, survived the crash, but another passenger, Edith Metzger, was killed. Pollock was thrown from the vehicle and died instantly from the impact.

Upon learning of his death, Krasner returned from France to organize his burial. Deeply affected by Pollock’s passing, she entered a prolonged period of mourning that would last the rest of her life. Despite her grief, Krasner remained creatively active and continued painting for another two decades. She also managed Pollock’s artistic legacy, carefully placing his works in prominent museums. Before her death in 1984, Krasner established the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, dedicated to supporting emerging artists. At the time of her passing, the estate she managed was valued at $20 million.

Legacy

Pollock’s artistic influence continued to grow after his death. In December 1956, just months after the fatal crash, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City honored him with a memorial retrospective. Another major retrospective followed in 1967, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in modern art. Pollock’s work continues to be celebrated in leading museums around the world, including the MoMA in New York and the Tate in London, ensuring his status as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century.