The Nowon District Office has announced the launch of Masters of New York: The Generation of Rothko, Pollock, and Krasner, a groundbreaking exhibition opening on January 10 at the Nowon Art Museum, located in the Nowon Culture and Arts Center. This extraordinary event presents a rare opportunity to experience iconic works by pivotal figures of Abstract Expressionism and other modern art movements, gathered together in South Korea for the first time.
The exhibition features 35 seminal works and video presentations from 21 influential artists, including Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, Jasper Johns, Barnett Newman, Robert Motherwell, and Sol LeWitt. These masterpieces illuminate the trajectory of modern art, charting the rise of the New York School and its evolution into movements such as Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Pop Art. The collection captures the dynamic creativity that shaped the postwar art world and continues to resonate today.
A highlight of the exhibition is Jackson Pollock’s monumental Horizontal Composition (1949), a 3-meter-wide piece created using his revolutionary action painting technique. This work, valued at approximately 200 billion KRW (about $150 million), is a stunning example of the energy and innovation that define Abstract Expressionism. Alongside Pollock’s work, pieces by Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman explore the emotional depth of color fields, while Sol LeWitt’s contributions exemplify the structured elegance of Minimalism.
To enhance visitors’ engagement, a free audio guide narrated by broadcaster Jun Hyun Moo is available, offering approachable and insightful commentary. This initiative aims to make the complex themes of modern art more accessible to a wider audience, enriching their understanding and appreciation of these groundbreaking works. The exhibition is further enhanced by multimedia elements that trace the evolution of modern art, providing a comprehensive narrative that contextualizes the featured works.
This special exhibition commemorates the opening of the Nowon Art Museum and runs through July 10. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the transformative power of Abstract Expressionism and its enduring influence on contemporary art. Visitors can check details on the Nowon District Office or Nowon Cultural Foundation websites for further information.
Nowon District Mayor Oh Seung Rok expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We hope this unprecedented gathering of Abstract Expressionist masterpieces offers both tranquility and inspiration to all who visit. This exhibition is not only a celebration of art but also a chance to connect with the profound legacy of these visionary artists.”
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
