1950s Abstract Expressionism

Abstract expressionism art is focused on emotional expression which emphasizes the creative and spontaneous act. This art originated in New York in the ‘40's and ‘50's.

Abstract Expressionism is a non traditional movement of art employing differing styles and techniques. Mostly non-representational in form and media, created with emotion, action and creative means including sculpture, painting and printmaking.

From the stains of Jackson Pollock, the deformed bodies of Willem de Kooning, the red paint of Philip Guston to the chaotic patterns of Mark Tobey, these works have changed the course of American painting. These artists were part of Abstract Expressionism, developed after World War II and the Holocaust, and were the first American avant-garde. The terrible events of the war were followed by a period of uncertainty and questioning of human morality. Consequently, many artists began to create heartbreaking works without external references. They stopped being inspired by reality as it was discouraging and took refuge within themselves, their emotions, approaching abstract language. However, it was not a collective and that is why there are so many styles and very personal works. This resulted in the proliferation of works of art that included torn forms of creation in which aesthetic enjoyment, as it was understood until then, was left aside. These artists were united by disenchantment with reality, loneliness, and anguish. The main characteristic of the pictorial movement was the spontaneous affirmation of the individual through painting. It is a non-figurative art that does not conform to the limits of conventional representation. In turn, the expressionists valued the process of creation more than the finished work. The new techniques privileged the fact of transmitting emotions, an attitude, or even the artist's personality through the way the paint is applied: the abruptness or the freedom of the strokes, or the violence or the "desperation" of throwing the paint on the canvas. Abstract expressionism is communication without words. Abstract Expressionism set a precedent in the history of art. While artists were persecuted and exiled from Europe, New York was transformed into the city of freedom and experimentation. Paris displaced as the cradle of art, Abstract Expressionism witnessed a new era.

The difference between Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism is mainly how the artist approaches the depiction of subjects produced in the two styles. Minimalist artists focus on representing subjects as simple geometric shapes and strive to eliminate emotions from their work. In contrast, Abstract Expressionists seek to convey the inner thoughts and feelings of themselves and their subjects through their art. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Minimalist and Abstract Expressionist art.

Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.

The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.