Share

Jackson Pollock biography

2 photos

Quick Facts

  • NAME: Jackson Pollock
  • OCCUPATION: Painter
  • BIRTH DATE: January 28, 1912
  • DEATH DATE: August 11, 1956
  • PLACE OF BIRTH: Cody, Wyoming
  • PLACE OF DEATH: East Hampton, New York
  • Full Name: Paul Jackson Pollock
  • AKA: Jackson Pollock

Best Known For

Famous 20th century artist Jackson Pollock revolutionized the world of modern art with his unique abstract painting techniques.

Videos see all videos

Quiz

Think you know about Biography?

Answer questions and see how you rank against other players.

Play Now
Jackson Pollock - Mini Biography watch more videos (2)

Concerned for Pollock's well-being, Krasner called on Pollock's mother to help. Her presence helped to stabilize Pollock, and he began to paint again. He completed his masterpiece, "The Deep," during this period.

But as the demand from collectors for Pollock's art grew, so too did the pressure he felt, and with it his alcoholism.

Downfall and Death

Overwhelmed with Pollock's needs, Krasner was also unable to work. Their marriage became troubled, and Pollock's health was failing. He started dating other women, and by 1956, he had quit painting, and his marriage was in shambles. Krasner reluctantly left for Paris to give Pollock space.

Just after 10 p.m. on August 11, 1956, Pollock, who had been drinking, crashed his car into a tree less than a mile from his home. Ruth Kligman, his girlfriend at the time, was thrown from the car and survived. Another passenger, Edith Metzger, was killed, and Pollock was thrown 50 feet into the air and into a birch tree. He died immediately.

Krasner returned from France to bury Pollock, and subsequently went into a mourning that would last the rest of her life. Retaining her creativity and productivity, Krasner lived and painted for another 20 years. She also managed the sale of Pollock's paintings, carefully distributing them to museums. Before her death, Krasner set up the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, which gives grants to young, promising artists. When Krasner died on June 19, 1984, the estate was worth $20 million.

Legacy

In December 1956, the year after his death, Pollock was given a memorial retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and then another in 1967. His work has continued to be honored on a large scale, with frequent exhibitions at both the MoMA in New York and the Tate in London. He remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

© 2013 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISEMENT
9443818 9443818
profile id: 9443818
profile name: Jackson Pollock
profile occupation:
related profile id: 9443818
related profile name: Jackson Pollock
related profile occupation:
related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/P/Jackson-Pollock-9443818-1-402.jpg
related profile URL: /people/jackson-pollock-9443818
profile
pop
Your Connections

Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

specific profile connection
See More Bio Connections
Your Friends' Connections
specific friend connection
Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups

    See all related groups

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!