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THE HISTORY OF ARTISTS AND ART PRODUCTION OF LOWER MANHATTAN

Created by DANIELLE FICHERA OCTOBER 12TH, 2011

The History of Artists and Art Production of SoHo

Following World War II, a group of artists emerged out of New York and broke away from traditional conventions. Even though there was never a formal association, these artists would be come known as "Abstract Expressionists". Abstract Expressionism was a personal art form; the creative process was an individual effort, not a collect force (Huson 46). Abstract Expressionism, includes artists such as Robert Motherwell, Barnett Newman, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline, Jackson Pollack and William de Kooning. However, as the 1950s came near, the tools, materials and techniques were rapidly changing (Hudson 48). Art production involved more collaboration among artists and technicians. Emphasis grew on more collective efforts and encouraged a sense of community. A new generation of artists emerged, along with the new technology. George Maciunas and Fluxus proceeded the Abstract Expressionists. Fluxus desired to purge the artist from ego and identity, and create a collective form of art. In order for artists to use the new technologies available, they needed to form relationships with technicians. New technologies complicated the development of projects. Art production was rapidly changing, along with a new emphasis on the materials being used. 

The art created in SoHo during the mid-1960s was a direct result of its environment. For example, welding companies gave artists advice in regards to techniques; print shops helped artists with lithographic production; and there was an array of hardware stores and discount stores (Hudson 50). Disregarded metal, write and corrugated cardboard left by factories were used by the artists. "According to writer and historian James Hudson artists developed a certain etiquette governing the process of pawing through the discard (Hudson 53)." The first rule was not to parse through the trash containers while another artists was selecting materials. If the rules were violated businesses would no longer put trash out (Hudson 53). The found materials in art production, is a direct reflection of the artists orientation to the community in which they worked. “I felt as though I were collaborating with the neighborhood", Robert Rauschenberg said. The art which emerged out of New York's passed downtown artist colony is a reflection of the time, the place and the political climate in New York. The art which emerged changed the way we think of art. 

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