Abstract Expressionism drops you into the studios of the painters who turned postwar New York into the center of the art world. Barbara Hess traces how artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and their peers pushed painting toward large, emotionally charged canvases built from gesture, color, and risk. The book pairs sharp, accessible commentary with generous reproductions, so you can see the surface of the paint and the structure of each composition up close. It is a compact way to understand how this movement reshaped what painting could be.

WHY WE PICKED IT
Because this is one of the clearest, most approachable introductions to a movement that can feel intimidating at first glance. Abstract Expressionism gives readers enough context to connect with the work without flattening its intensity, making it a strong pick for both newcomers and longtime museum‑goers.

DETAILS
• Author: Barbara Hess
• Publisher: Taschen
• Publication Date: January 15, 2016
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9783836505178
• Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days