Pollock in detail

Immediately, from the beginning, the visitor stops: the text is long. The director of the gallery, Marc Restellini, attempts to explain his ambitions: to offer a new vision on one of the greatest American artists of the twentieth century. Which impression will be the right one? That drowned by text or shown through the exhibition?

Jackson Pollock, Birth, 1938-41
© Adagp, Paris 2008

It does not take long before the following rooms give their response. Alas, we will be drowned.

One has to say that the exhibition has some extenuating circumstances. It simply reflects the gallery's location in Paris, elitist.

Indeed the creators of the exhibition did not think of the visitor, who risk themselves in coming, as an idiot. They take for granted the visitor's knowledge of Pollock (1912-1956).

One has to admit that the exhibition has been created with serious intention, without mocking the visitor, as well as making sure that the title keeps to its promise. Solidly, analysis is driven, paintings are supported by bushy comments and backed up with many references to art and psychoanalysis - the shaman has no secret for us anymore. One must remember that it is also one of the goals of an exhibition: to extend and deepen a subject. From this point of view, the exhibition is successful. It is short and in-depth.

But some 'step-back' is undoubtedly lacking in the exhibition as we risk losing ourselves in the exhaustiveness of the comments, missing the essential.

Jackson Pollock, Untitled, 1949
© Adagp, Paris 2008

Everything is indeed there. The abstract expressionism, the surrealism, the turning of the 1940's, and even some drippings (canvases that were placed on the ground in order to project or drip paint onto them, a technique that made Pollock famous). The exhibition is also an occasion to see artwork that often comes from the United States. Pollock's paintings, mostly dating from 1935-1945, interact with Amerindian art and religious objects. Under the charm, we also discover the surreal Masson, one of Pollock's greatest influences. Through paintings like Birth or Man, Bull, Bird, the exhibition shows how Pollock differs in his exploration of primitivism, favoured by painters in the first half of the twentieth century. It highlights the significant impact that this period of symbols had on all of his work.

Yes, this exhibition has something that is indigestible. One needs to decide to look, to appreciate the colours, the sharpened lines as well as the charming and primitive influences.

We need to say to ourselves, "Pollock's brush is worth it, do not be afraid". And we would be right.

"Jackson Pollock et le chamanisme": until the 19th February 2009.
Pinacothèque de Paris
28 place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
Open every day from 10.30am to 6.00pm, late night opening first Wednesday of every month.
Full price: 9 euros
Reduced price: 7 euros
Contact: +44 (0)1 42 68 02 01 or contact@pinacotheque.com
www.pinacotheque.com