Contemporary abstract-expressionism has its prototypes in the works of which two artists?

The association of contemporary abstract-expressionism with the works of Klee and Kandinsky is particularly significant due to their pioneering roles in establishing abstraction as a vital form of artistic expression. Both artists, originating from the early 20th century, explored the emotional and spiritual aspects of color and form, which are essential tenets of abstract-expressionism.

Klee’s innovative use of color and line, coupled with his playful yet profound metaphysical themes, laid groundwork for later abstract artists to convey complex emotional experiences. Kandinsky, often regarded as one of the first to call for a purely abstract art, believed that art should not represent the physical world but instead communicate emotions through color and form. He theorized about the emotional implications of different colors and compositions, which influenced many future movements, including abstract-expressionism.

In contrast, the other artists listed did not focus primarily on abstraction in the same way. Picasso and Duchamp were instrumental in developing modernist techniques and concepts, yet their works did not emphasize the emotional and instinctual expression central to abstract-expressionism. Monet and Renoir are known for their impressionist styles that centered on capturing light and the natural world. Similarly, Cézanne and Matisse, while crucial to the evolution of modern art