The Top 10 Abstract Expressionists on Artsy

Among the first globally significant art movements from the United States, Abstract Expressionism arose in New York after World War II. Emphasizing emotional content, spontaneous gestures, and monumental size, the “AbEx” painters would change art forever. Our top ten most popular presents only a few surprises (Esteban Vicente anyone?) but nonetheless a great overview of the movement’s divergent strands, from Willem de Kooning’s brutal gestures to Helen Frankenthaler’s subtle stains.

10. Sam Francis

9. Hans Hofmann

8. Joan Mitchell

7. Helen Frankenthaler

6. Franz Kline

5. Robert Motherwell

4. Esteban Vicente

3. Willem de Kooning

2. Jackson Pollock