Ep 7. Robert Motherwell and the New York School

Robert Motherwell and the New York School is an episode from the sixth season of the celebrated television series American Masters. This episode charts the life and work of Robert Motherwell, who was a significant figure in the Abstract Expressionism movement, also known as the New York School. The episode explores how Motherwell's work and ideas were shaped by his experience of the world and the historical context in which he lived.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the New York School, the group of artists who were at the forefront of the Abstract Expressionism movement in the 1940s and '50s. It then takes a closer look at Robert Motherwell, one of the most notable members of the group. Born in 1915, Motherwell grew up in an affluent family in California and was educated at Stanford and Harvard. However, it was his meeting with Mexican modernist painter Rufino Tamayo in the 1940s that inspired his artistic career.

The episode then delves into Motherwell's art, examining some of his most iconic works and exploring the themes and ideas that underpinned them. Motherwell was known for his use of bold, contrasting colors and for his interest in the relationship between art and literature. His work often referenced poetry and other literary forms, and he was particularly drawn to the work of French poet Stephane Mallarme. Through interviews with experts and archive footage of Motherwell himself, the episode gives an insight into the artist's creative process and the ideas that inspired his work.

The episode also explores the wider artistic context in which Motherwell worked, looking at the relationship between the New York School and the wider international art scene. The Abstract Expressionist movement was characterized by a sense of rebellion against traditional artistic norms, and many of its members were actively engaged in political and cultural debates of the time. The episode examines how Motherwell's work reflected his political views and his concerns about the future of the world.

Another aspect of Motherwell's life and work that is explored in the episode is his personal relationships. Motherwell's first marriage to Maria Emilia Fernández ended in divorce, and he later married Helen Frankenthaler, another prominent Abstract Expressionist artist. The episode examines how these relationships influenced Motherwell's art and the ways in which they navigated the challenges of being part of an artistic movement that was often characterized by fierce competition and rivalry.

Overall, Robert Motherwell and the New York School is a compelling exploration of the life and work of one of the most significant figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Through interviews with experts, archive footage, and an in-depth examination of his art, the episode offers a fascinating insight into Motherwell's creative process and the ideas that shaped his work. For anyone with an interest in art history, this episode is not to be missed.