Number 1A, 1948 is an oil and enamel painting created by Jackson Pollock in 1948. It is a seminal work from the artist known for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism through his “drip” or pouring technique. This masterpiece measures 172.7 cm × 264.2 cm and is a signature example of Pollock’s transition between his easel paintings and drip canvases.
The artist experimented with industrial house paints in Number 1A, which marks a departure from more traditional artist oil paints used in earlier works. Pollock’s creative process can be discerned in the work through various techniques such as splattering, dripping, and pouring paint onto the canvas.
In situ scanning macro-x-ray fluorescence mapping (MA-XRF) helped to characterize materials used by Pollock when creating this artwork. The painting was further investigated using multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) approach to analyze its composition further.
Despite mixed reactions initially when debuted in the art world back in 1948, Number IA has stood the test of time as one of Jackson Pollock’s most significant works due to its unique creative process and distinctive appearance that encapsulates abstract expressionism perfectly.
