No. 5, 1948

Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) was an American painter and a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. He is best known for his innovative technique of “drip painting,” where he would drip or pour paint onto a canvas laid on the ground, creating dynamic, energetic compositions. Pollock’s work focused on spontaneity, emotion, and the physical act of painting itself, emphasizing the process over traditional composition. His large-scale works, like No. 5, 1948 and Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), broke away from traditional forms of representation, encouraging viewers to experience the painting on a visceral, emotional level. Pollock’s art had a profound impact on the development of modern and contemporary art, influencing many artists and shaping the trajectory of post-war American art.