Jackson Pollock in his studio, 1949. Photo by Martha Holmes.
The impact of Max Ernst, André Masson, Yves Tanguy and other noted émigrés on the work of Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and the American avant-garde has for too long been quietly written out of art history. In this talk based on his new book, art critic Charles Darwent tells the absorbing story of how exiles from war-torn France brought Surrealism to America, helping to shift the centre of the art world from Paris to New York and spark the movement that became Abstract Expressionism.
This artistic exchange between the Old World and the New, centred on taciturn British printmaker Stanley William Hayter and the legendary Atelier 17 print studio that he founded. It was here Jackson Pollock found the balance of freedom and control that would culminate in his distinctive drip paintings. Drawing on first-hand sources, Darwent brings to life the events and personalities of this crucial period and reveals an extraordinary new perspective on 20th century art.
Surrealists in New York: Atelier 17 and the Birth of Abstract Expressionism by Charles Darwent is published by Thames & Hudson (16 March 2023). Ticket holders will receive a code to use for 30% off the £25 retail price via their website.
Proceeds from our ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.