Art Of America

Andrew Graham-Dixon charts the history of American art by taking a coast-to-coast journey, beginning in the east, where he explores how the country's rise to power was underpinned by the destruction of Native American cultural heritage. He encounters some seemingly innocuous works that hide a darker intent. What part did art play in defining the legend of America that still dominates?

As America attempted to establish its own identity and move away from its European roots, its art began to change. Andrew Graham-Dixon investigates how American art developed in the 20th Century from gravity-defying skyscrapers to the seemingly sentimental paintings of Norman Rockwell and challenging movements such as Abstract Expressionism. What inspired this artistic radicalism?

In the post-war era, American art became more radical, more bold and more challenging. Andrew Graham-Dixon concludes his journey through American art by examining some of the movements that developed; the subversion of Jasper Johns, the Pop Art of Andy Warhol and the grand, controversial visions of Jeff Koons. What drove these artists to present the shocking and unpalatable in their work?