Mural - Jackson Pollock

"Mural," painted by Jackson Pollock in 1943, is housed in the Stanley Museum of Art in Iowa and is one of the earliest examples of his revolutionary approach that would later define abstract expressionism. This work, which impressed the entire artistic community with its beauty and size, was commissioned by Peggy Guggenheim , daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim who died in 1912 in the famous sinking of the Titanic. The composition shows a dramatic shift in Pollock's technique, incorporating large gestural movements and what appear to be paint splashes, which anticipate his famous drip technique developed in later years.

The impressive size of this work, measuring nearly 2.5 meters high by 6 meters wide, was a challenge that Pollock transformed into an opportunity to explore a more expansive scale of artistic expression. Through this work, Pollock began to break free from conventional forms, using dynamic brushstrokes and an energetic rhythm that captures the intensity and force of nature.

This magnificent work is significant not only for its size but also for its ability to encapsulate Pollock's transition towards a freer and more abstract style, which would be fundamental in redefining modern painting. This painting is a direct precursor to the drip paintings for which Pollock is best known, marking the beginning of an era where the process and raw material of art assumed a primary role.

The influence of this canvas extended beyond art, impacting pop culture and modern art, challenging pre-existing notions of what a mural should be. It represents a crucial moment in Pollock's career, a turning point that reflects both his personal evolution and the changes in contemporary art.