American Art in the 1960s

1972 / 57 min. / color
Directed by Michael Blackwood

Carl Andre, John Cage, Dan Flavin, Sam Francis, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Irwin, Jasper Johns, Donald Judd, Ellsworth Kelly, Edward Kienholz, Roy Lichtenstein, Morris Louis, Robert Morris, Ken Noland, Claes Oldenburg, Jules Olitski, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers, Ed Ruscha, George Segal, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, and critic Clement Greenberg. Narration by Barbara Rose.

Pop culture and modern media flooded the art world throughout the 1960’s, giving artists new means and methods for a cultural revolution. Leading the scene of experimental and avant garde art were innovators such as Robert Rauschenberg, George Segal, Claes Oldenburg and Andy Warhol. American Art in the 1960’s follows said artists and many others as they venture through the movements of pop art, abstract expressionism, collage, sculpture and Expressionistic Cubism. Their audience followed along loyally as the artists’ dove into new imagery that held a mirror up to society and examined the roots of culture. Narrator and writer, Barbara Rose makes the insightful observation: “As art was integrated into American life, it became more difficult to shock the public. Serious, profound, frivolous, absurd and ultimately tragic, the contradictions and paradoxes of the Sixties were reflected in American art of that revolutionary decade.” (Barbara Rose) With no fear of experimenting with new mediums, the artists discuss the inspiration behind their work and the desire they feel to create.

Significance of Abstract Expressionism on the Art Story.
Significance of Neo-Dada on the Art Story.
Significance of Pop Art on the Art Story.