Learn About The 50 States
Jackson Pollock (1912)close
Born Paul Jackson Pollock in Cody, Wyoming, Jackson Pollock first studied painting in Los Angeles. He then moved to New York City where he held his first solo show in 1943. Known for his abstract and surrealist art, his work was widely known and exhibited internationally. Instead of using a traditional easel for his work, he would place his canvas on a wall on the floor and pour or drip paint on it from the can. Instead of using brushes, he used trowels or knives to apply his paint. He is generally believed to be one of the pioneers of the Abstract Impressionism movement and one of the most important figures in American art in the late twentieth century.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: