Mrs. Pollock

W&L Art History

Winter 2022

JACKSON POLLOCK: ‘THE GREATEST LIVING PAINTER IN THE UNITED STATES,’ OR IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME?

Jackson Pollock, a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement, is considered one of the most famous artists of all time; some believe he was the best American painter to ever live. Though Pollock’s fame was substantial, his success was largely due to his wife’s connections and art critics’ influences. His tragic death shed light on his deeper struggles - alcoholism, and depression - and I can’t help but think his fleeting fame exacerbated his mental pain. Regardless, Pollock’s ‘original’ style was carefully curated by and a product of the elitist art culture. Though he may have been considered the greatest living artist in the United States at one point in time, his failure to continue creating before his untimely death diminshed his strength as an artist. 

Though Pollock’s stardom elevated with each gallery, he wouldn’t have been able to showcase his art to such large audiences without the help of his wife. A notable artist herself, Lee Krasner married Pollock in 1945 and also introduced him to relevant members of the art community, including gallerist Peggy Guggenheim. Pollock’s success quickly overshadowed Krasner’s artistry, and she became known for being his wife. Had Krasner not essentially sacrificed her own career to elevate that of her husband’s, then perhaps Pollock’s paintings wouldn’t be as famous as they are today. 

Although there’s nothing wrong with using connections, I would appreciate Pollock’s art more had he grown to fame rather than being tossed into it. Pollock’s status was elevated by art critics quickly; he was practically unheard of in 1943 when he signed a contract with Guggheineim and debuted his first solo exhibition. Clement Greenburg, “possibly the most renowned art critic in American history,” reviewed the exhibition. He wrote, “there is both surprise and fulfillment in Jackson Pollock’s not so abstract abstractions. He is the first painter I know of to have got something positive from the muddiness of color that so profoundly characterizes a great deal of American painting.” His review obviously brought attention to Pollock, and in a sense, kick-started his career.

Pollock’s rapid rise to fame not only lessens my opinion of him but also, proves the elitist art culture’s absurd control over the industry. Had he risen to fame organically - without connections and mentorship from Greenburg - perhaps his paintings would’ve better reflected his emotional distress and been a better outlet for his pain. Instead, Pollock rose to fame quickly and likely felt pressure to continue creating perfection. Society pigeon-holed him to his distinct and expressionistic style, which no doubt stifled his creativity. He neglected to create in his last years of life, overcome with depression and falling deeper into alcoholism. His inability to paint reflects a deeper pain because creating is an essential outlet for any artist.  

As Allan Kaprow states in “The Legacy of Jackson Pollock,” the world appreciated Pollock for his uniqueness in an “ecstatic blindness.” I think the true legacy of Pollock shouldn’t be his artistic mastery, but rather his deep-rooted struggles. His audience’s blindness to his mental health struggles proved to be detrimental for him; an artist once overcome with inspiration was sentenced to misery. 

I believe true, great art is created by the artist for the artist. After debuting his first exhibition, Pollock created works intended to be reached by a massive audience. As an artist who began selling works at a young age, I relate to the pressures of upholding a reputation and can imagine how depleted he must have felt. In my experience, considering art as a profession rather than a passion destroys creativity and removes the joy.

Though I sympathize heavily for Pollock, I cannot agree that he was the ‘greatest living painter in the United States.’ To say his artwork was impactful is an understatement, however, Pollock’s true effectiveness lied in his fame and ability to reach mass audiences. Were it not for the help of his wife, Pollock wouldn’t have rose to fame in the first place. There was a desperate need for authentic American art post World War II, and Pollock’s expressionistic style satisfied that need. He was both blessed and cursed by his circumstances because the culture that elevated him proved to be shallow and empty. He died tragically at 44, only thirteen years after his first solo exhibition. 

Pollock’s methodic rise and devastating downfall revealed just how subjective the art world can be - they adored him for his originality, framed him as a star, and were left baffled by his tragic death. Pollock wasn’t the greatest living painter, but was merely a vessel for Greenburg, among others, to impose their artistic ideals to American culture.