Warhol, Pollock and other American spaces

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum is hosting an exhibition from 21 October to 25 January 2026, which brings together a wide range of works by artists who explored new spatial strategies in the 20th century, such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

Andy Warhol's incredible fascination with Pollock is well known. From his desire to have one of his works in his extensive art collection to the close relationship between his famous car crash series and the notorious tragic accident that ended Pollock's life one night in 1956.  This exhibition brings together the paintings of these two great 20th century artists alongside other artists of the period who also explored new spatial strategies.

Although the styles and works of the two featured artists appear to be different, they both share a concern for spatial changes and the large format that characterises the generation to which they belong. Curated by Estrella de Diego, the exhibition reveals that Pollock was not just an ‘abstract maestro’ nor was Warhol a mere creator of superficial images. In reality, both artists were figurative throughout their careers and explored the concept of space as a hiding place.  Often using repetition and seriality, both Pollock and Warhol constructed their own somewhat autobiographical vision, which enabled them to interpret the world in which they lived.

Image Credits:

• Jackson Pollock. Unformed Figure, 1953. Oil and enamel paint on canvas, 130 x 195.5 cm © Museum Ludwig, Cologne/ Permanent loan from Peter und Irene Ludwig Stiftung 1985
• Robert Rauschenberg. Express, 1963. Oil, silkscreen and collage on canvas. 184.2 x 305.2 cm © The Estate of Robert Rauschenberg/ VAGA, New York/ VEGAP, Madrid
• Jackson Pollock. Brown and Silver I, c. 1951. Enamel and silver paint on canvas.  144.7 x 107.9 cm. © The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, VEGAP, Madrid