Instructions: write a one-page, double spaced paper in 12 pt. type. Write your paper in response to ONE of the prompts below. Use the videos, Gardner's textbook, and in class discussions only for references. THIS IS WORTH 100 POINTS

JACKSON POLLOCK: In his own words. Although the quality of the video and sound of this clip is poor we have a true sense of the nature of Pollock. Answer the following: Why does Pollock say he wants to react against the teaching of Thomas Hart Benton, his former teacher. (Reread the portion in Gardner's about Benton). How does Pollock relate his work to Native American sand paintings? (refer to slide show and class discussion). What are Pollock's painting methods--why does he paint the way he does, including choice of materials, techniques, etc. What does Pollock mean when he says "his paintings express his feelings rather than illustrate them"?

JACKSON POLLOCK: One, Number Thirty-One, 1950. Answer the following: Why did Pollock use numbers for titles? Was his process improvisation, accident or was it deliberate? Back up your opinion with evidence from the Zucker/Harris video. Two critics important to the success of Pollock's work are Harold Rosenberg and Clement Greenberg. Greenberg said it is not art until it is hanging in a gallery. Rosenberg said once it is complete a painting is a fossil. Explain these points of view--which do you agree with and why?

BARNETT NEWMAN: VIR HEROICUS SUBLIMUS. Answer the following: What does the title mean? How do art historians approach this painting--how do they interpret it? How does the public respond to this painting--why? Did New intend that the viewer respond emotionally or intellectually? What is the possible significance of the "zips"in this work? Finally could Newman's response to World War II have inspired this work? If so how? How do you react to it?