Abstract Expressionism emerged in the 1940s and 1950s as a groundbreaking movement in American art, primarily in New York City. It signified a shift away from the figurative and representative forms of earlier art movements, emphasizing instead the emotional intensity and the physical act of creation. It was rooted in a post-World War II context, with artists seeking new ways to express the trauma, anxiety, and disillusionment of the time. Abstract Expressionism was not just about abstraction; it was about giving visual form to inner feelings, often drawing on surrealism and psychoanalysis. The movement became a symbol of American artistic dominance in the post-war world, challenging the established European traditions of art-making. At its core, Abstract Expressionism focused on spontaneity, gesture, and the subconscious. The style is characterized by large, non-representational canvases, energetic brushwork, and an emphasis on texture and materiality. One of the most defining characteristics of Abstract Expressionism is its pursuit of "non-objectivity," meaning the absence of any recognizable subject matter. Instead, the works evoke emotions through their color choices, brushstrokes, and overall composition. This freedom of expression was partly inspired by the surrealist emphasis on automatism, where artists sought to access their unconscious mind and allow their inner thoughts to flow directly into the artwork. Jackson Pollock is often considered the most iconic figure associated with Abstract Expressionism. His "drip" paintings, created through a technique known as "drip painting" or "action painting," involve the artist dripping or pouring paint onto a horizontal surface, creating chaotic yet harmonious compositions. Pollock’s "No. 5, 1948" is one of his most famous works, with swirling lines and overlapping layers of paint. The intensity of the work, along with the sheer physicality of Pollock's process, has made it a defining example of Abstract Expressionism. The act of painting itself was as significant as the final product, with Pollock’s physical movements becoming a part of the artwork. His work embodies the ethos of Abstract Expressionism: the focus on process, the exploration of emotion, and the breaking away from traditional representation. Another major figure in the movement is Mark Rothko, who took a different approach to abstraction. Known for his large, color-field paintings, Rothko created works that feature soft, rectangular forms of color floating on a field of different hues. His paintings are known for their meditative and emotive qualities. Works like "No. 61 (Rust and Blue)" evoke a sense of depth and transcendence, often interpreted as an invitation for contemplation. Unlike Pollock’s chaotic brushstrokes, Rothko's paintings exude calm, with colors merging softly into one another. Rothko’s work was deeply influenced by his interest in mysticism, the sublime, and the human condition, and he believed that his color fields could express universal emotions. The