Reflective Case Study of Jackson Pollock as Presented in the Movie – Pollock
The movie Pollock is a biography of the abstract expressionist painter Paul “Jackson” Pollock. Jackson Pollock’s abstract painting techniques and unhealthy psychological being made him very sought after, and frequently critiqued. Jackson Pollock was a very complex individual with deep personal issues, but also a brilliant artist, that was widely considered one of the most influential painters of the 20th century.
The movie Pollock begins in 1941 and chronicles the last 15 years of Jackson Pollock's life until his death in an automobile accident in 1956 at the age of 44. In late 1941, Jackson Pollock is a struggling artist living with his brother Sanford “Sande”, in Greenwich Village New York. He is prone to bouts of depressive episodes and alcohol intoxication. In 1942, Lee Krasner then introduces herself to Jackson. She was convinced of his extraordinary talent, soon after they became romantically involved. Lee provided Jackson with needed stability. Lee sacrificed her own career, to support and promote Jackson’s work. In November of 1943, Jackson had his first one-man exhibition at Peggy Guggenheim’s Gallery. Jackson received a stipend and a commission from Peggy Guggenheim to paint a large mural. Jackson began having more frequent manic and depressive episodes, along with periods of alcohol intoxication. Jackson eventually had an affair with Peggy. After waking up on the busy street after a state of intoxication, Jackson tells Lee “I’ve had enough”. Jackson was encouraged by family and friends to move out of the city. In 1945, Jackson and Lee were married. They moved to The Springs, East Hampton, Long Island. The relocation was an attempt to isolate Jackson from his old drinking friends. Jackson tries unsuccessfully to stop his use of alcohol. In 1947 while working on a painting, Jackson accidently dripped paint on the floor. This becomes the inspiration for his...