Shimmering Substance by Jackson Pollock

This is amongst the brightest colour scheme used by Pollock from his entire career

This piece of abstract art was painted between 1945-1946 by master American abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock.

It uses the medium of oil on canvas and measures 24 x 30 cm. It is currently on display as part of the Pollock exhibit in the MoMA (Museum of Modern art) in New York City.

Shimmering Substance is one of the early examples of the radical and exceptionally unique drip period, which Pollock introduced to the world in 1947.

Even though such a painting appears to happen at random and spontaneously, one can actually track the precise movement and control Pollock had in creating this piece.

Initially these drip paintings by Pollock were met with great public scrutiny and were mostly unpopular and therefore had low value in art markets.

The art world had very mixed reactions to his paintings as well and reviews were polarized. His first series of drip paintings debut at the Betty Parsons Gallery in New York City in 1948.

Less than a year later Pollock appeared in an article in Life Magazine with the headline "Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?"

This particular piece was one of Pollocks first entirely nonpresentational works of art. Pollock applied the paint for this piece directly to the canvas and worked the piece using various tools such as a palette knife and even his bare fingers.

His color pallet on this piece is exceptionally brighter and lighter than his previous pieces. Pollock had recently moved to East Hampton, New York and took inspiration from the wonderful summer views he had at his new home. The painting reminds one of a sunny summer day with its vivid yellows and whites as well as some earthy tones.