“Abstract painting is abstract — it confronts you.”, Jackson Pollock was the first American abstract painter to be taken seriously in Europe. He was also one of the most influential and controversial painters of the twentieth century. He was also an alcoholic with a quick temper and quick fists — he once said “The problem isn’t painting; it’s what to do when you aren’t painting.”

A major figure in the abstract expressionist movement he was widely noticed for his “drip technique” which was also called all-over painting or action painting. His extreme form of abstraction divided the art critics: some praised the immediacy of his creations, while others derided the random effects he achieved.

We will delve into his reclusive and volatile personality while taking a close look at the progression of his work and ultimately why he is considered an artist of such stature and high regard in our century.

Presenter Carl Shatley is an accomplished educator, lecturer and artist who holds a Master of Arts degree in History from Duke University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from Greensboro College. He also studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Guilford Technical Community College.

Tickets: $15; $10