b. 1912 d. 1956
Site Affiliation: Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center
Jackson Pollock was born in Wyoming and grew up in the Southwest. He moved to New York City in 1930 and studied with Thomas Hart Benton. While working for the WPA Federal Art Project, he was introduced to liquid paint as an art medium in a 1936 workshop with the Mexican artist Siqueiros. After moving to Springs in 1945, he perfected the pouring technique that made him famous. After struggling unsuccessfully to overcome his alcoholism, he died in an automobile accident at age 44.
Primary Medium: Painting
Primary Stylistic Term: Abstract Expressionism
HAHS Affiliations: Pollock was married to fellow artist Lee Krasner. The Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio State Historic Site is the former property of Pollock’s primary teacher. Pollock and Krasner were friends of Victor and Mabel D’Amico and visited their Amagansett property.
Fun Fact: Pollock had a pet crow named Caw-Caw, for which he built a birdhouse that’s on display in the studio.
Recommended Publications: Jackson Pollock: An American Saga by Steven Naifeh & Gregory White Smith (Clarkson N. Potter, 1989)