graphic novel thoughts: Pollock Confidential by Onofrio Catacchio

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The basics: "This vivid graphic novel delves into his pioneering physical approach to making art, highlights the key characters surrounding the New York mid-century art scene, and reveals the intriguing relationship between Pollock's painting and the covert activities of the Cold War."--publisher

 My thoughts: I majored in Art History in college (and Journalism and Women's Studies), and I have a particular fondness for Abstract Expressionism and Jackson Pollock. I will never forget the feeling of seeing my first Pollock in person. The scope and scale and texture took my breath away and made me understand art in new ways. I was curious to see how this graphic novel (it is fiction, albeit very closely tied--for the most part--to history) told his story. I read this fascinating graphic novel in a single sitting. It has it all: history, art, drama, romance, politics, spies, and death. The visuals are stunning and capture the scale of Abstract Expressionism well. It's accessible enough to those who aren't familiar with Abstract Expressionism while also being entertaining to those who are. The art, appropriately, is the real star here, but the story is a good one, too. I only wish it were longer.

Rating: 4 out of 5
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: May 5, 2020 
Source: publisher

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