Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It is characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, emphasizing the artist's emotional experience. Artists often used bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and non-representational forms to convey feelings rather than depict objects or scenes. Key figures in this movement include Jackson Pollock, known for his drip painting technique, and Mark Rothko, famous for his large, color-field paintings. Abstract Expressionism marked a shift away from traditional artistic techniques, focusing instead on the act of painting itself as a form of expression.