David Anfam – Abstract Expressionism – First Edition 2016

A first edition, first printing of Abstract Expressionism, published by Royal Academy Publications, London, 2016 in conjunction with the exhibition ‘Abstract Expressionism’ at the Royal Academy of Arts, 24 September 2016 – 2 January 2017, colour illustrations throughout. A very fine book free from internal inscriptions, boards bound in publishers original orange cloth, with silver titling to the spine and debossed title to the front panel, text blocks are bright and crisp. In a very fine unclipped pictorial wrapper depicting ‘Blue Poles’, by Jackson Pollock, 1952.

The first exhibition in the UK to show an overview of the Abstract Expressionist movement since a previous exhibition in 1959, which toured to the Tate Gallery, London. Subsequently also exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao 3 February – 4 June 2014. Contains essays by David Anfam, Jeremy Lewison, Carter Ratcliff and Susan Davidson with chronology by Edith Devaney with Christian Wurst.

Abstract Expressionism was an influential post-World War II art movement emphasising spontaneous and expressive painting on large-scale works. Originating in 1940s New York, it featured artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko. Focusing on emotion and individuality, it used bold colours, dynamic brushstrokes and non-representational forms to convey deep psychological intensity.