For me Pollock represents everything in art I am incapable of. I approach a piece with every intention of capturing the scene photo realistically, and when I do attempt the abstract I am at a loss. My work is deliberate, intentional, and structured. Watching the videos of Pollock working blows my mind, because I envy the freedom he feels and the motion he can put into his pieces so spontaneously.
The only aspect of his work I take issue with is the fact that his pieces sell for tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars. However, my opinion spans the entire art world, not just Pollock’s pieces. It’s simply that I become uncomfortable when an original is worth such an extreme amount of money because it usually devalues any replicas created for the “common person” to place in their home. In my mind, art should be appreciated for what it is and not by the popularity and rarity of what it becomes.
As for a theorist to apply to the work of Pollock, I thought it would be interesting to contemplate how Tolstoy would view the art with respect to his three criteria of individuality, clearness of the feeling transmitted, and the sincerity of the artist. I think many would agree that Pollock was most certainly individual in the creation of his pieces. Each one holds an energy and wholeness that is unique to his work. Nevertheless, I don’t know if Tolstoy would agree that everyone receives the same feeling from a specific piece, as I myself do not believe this would be so. As for the clearness of the feeling transmitted, this too is questionable at best. I doubt anyone could look upon a Pollock piece and identify perfectly with the emotion Pollock was experiencing at the time of its creation. There is simply too much to take in, and much of his art’s power lies in the “controlled chaos” of it.
The one point I think Tolstoy would wholly support would be in regards to Pollock’s sincerity. I do not believe anyone can question that he worked to create whatever he wished to; it never appeared to me as though he worked in a way to please the recipient. In fact, he attached a great deal of value to his pieces and sold them for no less than what he felt it was worth. Pollock painted to satisfy his need to express himself, not strictly to create pieces he believed others would enjoy.
I like your personal relation as an artist. I, too, have a concern about the amount of money and the degree of enjoyment in art. I agree that Tolstoy would agree with sincerity, but maybe not with the communication between the artist and audience. Good blog!
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