What is the difference between cubism and abstract expressionism in art?

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What is the difference between cubism and abstract expressionism in art?

Cubism and abstract expressionism are two distinct art movements that emerged in different time periods and have different approaches to artistic representation.

Cubism, which originated in the early 20th century, is characterized by the fragmentation and reassembly of objects and figures into geometric forms. It emphasizes multiple viewpoints and the deconstruction of traditional perspective. Cubist artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, aimed to depict the subject from various angles simultaneously, challenging the notion of a single fixed viewpoint.

On the other hand, abstract expressionism emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the United States. This movement focused on expressing emotions and inner experiences through non-representational forms. Abstract expressionist artists, such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, emphasized spontaneous and gestural brushwork, often creating large-scale works that conveyed a sense of energy and emotion. The emphasis was on the artist's subjective expression rather than the depiction of recognizable objects or figures.

In summary, the main difference between cubism and abstract expressionism lies in their approach to representation. Cubism deconstructs and reassembles objects and figures from multiple viewpoints, while abstract expressionism emphasizes subjective expression through non-representational forms.