1. Jackson Pollock, Number 1A (1948)
2. Mark Rothko, No. 14 (1960)
3. Helen Frankenthaler, Mountains and Sea (1952)
4. Joan Mitchell, Untitled (1965)
5. Willem de Kooning, Excavation (1950)

Jackson Pollock’s Number 1A (1948) is a masterpiece of abstract expressionism. By applying paint directly to canvas, the artist created an entire gestural universe with a few simple brushstrokes and drips. This painting is considered one of the most important works of abstract art in the 20th century, as it marks the beginning of a new and revolutionary way of creating art. Pollock's technique allowed for an entirely new exploration of movement, color, and texture that had never been seen before in painting.

Mark Rothko’s No. 14 (1960) is another iconic piece from the Abstract Expressionist movement. This work features blocks of brilliant color juxtaposed against one another, creating an optical illusion that shifts depending on where it is viewed. Through this piece, Rothko used color as a form of emotional expression, which he saw as essential to creating true abstraction in art. His work revolutionized the way in which painters used color and remains an important reference point for many contemporary abstract painters today.

Helen Frankenthaler’s Mountains and Sea (1952) is a classic example of Color Field Painting—a style developed by Frankenthaler herself. Using large swaths of bright colors spread across her canvas, Frankenthaler created a dream-like landscape that seemed to float into infinity. This painting was revolutionary for its time because it moved away from traditional representation towards something more abstract and expressive. This trend would come to define much of modern art over the years

Joan Mitchell’s Untitled (1965) is a perfect example of her signature style known as “lyrical abstraction” —a combination between abstraction and landscape painting that she helped popularize during her career. The work features bold brushstrokes and delicate smudges and stains that create an almost otherworldly atmosphere on canvas. Her innovative approach to painting has inspired countless artists since her time, making her one of the most influential figures in modern art history today.

Finally, Willem de Kooning’s Excavation (1950) is one of his most famous pieces from his early period as an Abstract Expressionist painter. De Kooning was known for his dynamic compositions full of rough brushstrokes and vivid colors; this piece does not disappoint either! The painting conveys energy and chaos through its frenzied lines—truly capturing de Kooning’s unique vision for abstraction at its finest moment during this era in art history.