Study: Kids’ drip paintings more like Pollock’s than those of adults
Summary
A recent study reveals that splatter paintings by children closely resemble Jackson Pollock's drip art when analyzed through a fractal lens. Co-author Richard Taylor highlights the significance of this finding in understanding Pollock's unique artistic style and authenticity.
Key Insights
What does it mean for a painting to be analyzed through a 'fractal lens'?
Analyzing a painting through a 'fractal lens' means using mathematical techniques to measure how patterns in the artwork repeat at different scales, similar to natural structures like trees or coastlines. Fractals are characterized by self-similarity, where small parts of the pattern resemble the whole. In the context of Pollock's drip paintings, researchers measure the fractal dimension (D), which quantifies the complexity and density of the patterns. This approach helps identify whether the painting's structure is similar to those found in nature or in Pollock's authentic works.
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Why is it significant that children's drip paintings resemble Pollock's more than those of adults?
The finding suggests that Pollock's unique style may be rooted in a spontaneous, intuitive process that is more naturally present in children. This challenges the idea that Pollock's artistry was solely the result of technical skill or deliberate design, and instead highlights the role of instinctive, natural pattern generation. It also supports the idea that fractal patterns in art can be a marker of authenticity and may help distinguish genuine Pollock works from fakes, as children's untrained approach produces similar fractal characteristics.
Sources:
[1]