IHUM Chapter 38 After the War

Questions and Answers

Discuss existentialism as a European phenomenon.

After the war, whole cities were flattened and destroyed. Many found it hard to find any hope in life. However, with the existentialist view that every person is free and a responsible agent, they were able to find hope in some sense of meaning in life.

Outline the rise of a consumer culture in the U.S., including the significance of television and advertising.

After the war, America experienced unprecedented prosperity with new goods like Tupperware, Disneyland, credit cards, and fast food chains. TV resumed broadcasting in 1948, and companies started marketing through commercials.

Explain the significance of Abstract Expressionism and identify its major artists.

Abstract Expressionism was a style of painting practiced by American artists during and after WWII, characterized by high-brow art needing knowledge of art history. Major artists include Arshile Gorky, Hans Hoffmann, and Jackson Pollock.

Explain the significance of Pop Art as a critique of consumer culture.

Pop Art rejected the high-brow style of Abstract Expressionism, using icons like Marilyn Monroe to highlight the superficial nature of consumer culture, where everything is commodified. Signup and view all the answers

Describe architecture in the 1950s, particularly that of the international style.

The International style was characterized by rectilinear forms, blank surfaces, and open interior spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture followed the principle of 'form follows function.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Civil Rights Movement as discussed?

The Civil Rights Movement arose after Reconstruction, as Southern states passed racist laws. It aimed to create an equitable environment for African Americans, who faced oppression. Signup and view all the answers

What does action painting refer to?

Action painting emphasizes that the abstract expressionist canvas is an event, not just a picture, focusing on the act of creation itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is art brut?

Art brut refers to 'raw art', or any work that is unaffected by cultural conventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of atheistic existentialism?

Athiest existentialism argues that individuals must define their own existence and choose to act ethically in a world without God. Signup and view all the answers

What does Christian existentialism entail?

Christian existentialism argues that individuals define their existence with a unifying center provided by religion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a combine painting?

A combine painting combines all manner of materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Theater of the Absurd?

The Theater of the Absurd is a genre where the meaninglessness of existence is a central theme. Signup and view all the answers

Who first exhibited paintings of Campbell's Soup cans?

Andy Warhol. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are examples of mobiles?

Alexander Calder's Lobster Trap and Fish Tail Signup and view all the answers

Jean-Paul Sartre saw the existential position echoed in the artwork of which artist?

Alberto Giacometti. Signup and view all the answers

Which artist is known for silkscreen printing the images of celebrities?

Andy Warhol Signup and view all the answers

What did Mark Rothko aim for by painting on a large scale?

To create the sensation of being enveloped in the paintings. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Pop Art' was coined by a group of American artists called the Independents.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following were excluded from the Abstract Expressionist group known as The Club?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Minimalism in art?

Minimalist art is characterized as necessarily abstract. Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of figuration in Willem de Kooning's work compared to Jackson Pollock's suggest?

Willem de Kooning makes more frequent reference to the figure than Jackson Pollock does. Signup and view all the answers

Why did David Tudor sit still during the premiere of John Cage's composition 4' 33"?

He played nothing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Existentialism in Post-War Europe

Cities were left in ruins after the war, making it difficult for individuals to find hope.
Existentialist philosophy emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility, giving people a sense of meaning in life.

Rise of Consumer Culture in the U.S.

Post-war prosperity led to a surge in consumer goods, including Tupperware and fast food chains.
Television re-emerged in 1948 after the war and became a significant marketing tool.
Advertising began to showcase products in action, influencing public perception and consumption.

Abstract Expressionism

A high-brow painting style that emerged in the U.S. during and after WWII.
Major artists include Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
Influenced by movements such as Cubism and Surrealism, focusing on emotional intensity and abstraction.

Pop art challenged the elitism of Abstract Expressionism, making art more accessible.
Artists like Andy Warhol highlighted consumer culture, equating art with commercially produced goods.
Warhol's portrayal of icons like Marilyn Monroe emphasized superficial societal perceptions.

Architecture of the 1950s

International style featured simple geometry, functional design, and absence of ornamentation.
Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture promoted harmony between buildings and nature, with the principle "form follows function."

Key Artistic Works and Artists

Richard Hamilton's "Just What Is It That Makes Today's Homes So Different, So Appealing?" examined consumerism.
Alberto Giacometti's "City Square" and Jackson Pollock's action-oriented paintings like "Guardians of the Secret" and "Number 27" showcased existential themes.

Civil Rights Movement Context

Post-Reconstruction era saw the rise of racist laws suppressing African Americans.
Efforts to create equitable conditions faced resistance, exemplified by events like the Little Rock Nine.

Unique Art Forms and Concepts

“Combine painting” combines various materials, seen in works by Robert Rauschenberg.
“Mobiles,” popularized by Alexander Calder, utilize air currents for movement in sculpture.

Theater of the Absurd

Themes centered on the meaninglessness of existence and human isolation.
Shared concerns include the futility of communication and alienation in modern life.

Important Philosophical Concepts

Atheistic existentialism posits individual agency in defining existence in a godless world.
Christian existentialism suggests that religion can offer a foundation for personal existence.

Impact of War on Art and Society

The aftermath of WWII instilled a pessimistic outlook in Europe while altering American society through television and consumerism.
Artists explored new styles and philosophies to express the complexities of post-war life and the human condition.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of existentialism and the rise of consumer culture in the U.S. after the war. This chapter highlights the impact of destruction on society and how individuals sought meaning. It also examines the significance of television in shaping consumer culture during this period.