Articles

Willem De Kooning

Illustration by Bobby Evans

RA Exhibitions

< 8 years ago

“We didn’t think it was a movement” – meet the 1940s critics of Abstract Expressionism

Seeking advice as she co-curated our Abstract Expressionism exhibition, Edith Devaney went to New York to meet Dore Ashton and Irving Sandler – two commentators who championed the likes of Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, and entertained them in their kitchens.
Installation view of the Central Hall in the Abstract Expressionism exhibition, at the Royal Academy of Arts, London

RA Exhibitions

8 years ago

Video: Abstract Expressionists in 60 seconds

Got a minute? In these short videos, the RA’s Artistic Director introduces five of the key figures of Abstract Expressionism.
Paintbrushes

RA Exhibitions

8 years ago

Quiz: which Abstract Expressionist are you?

Are you a sensible socialite or a bar brawler? Are you ruled by ideals or impulses? Take the quiz to find your kindred Abstract Expressionist spirit, as its biggest characters take over our galleries.