Meaning: The quote "In the late 30s the name Pollock was totally unknown and unheard of" by Lee Krasner, an American abstract expressionist painter and the wife of renowned artist Jackson Pollock, reflects the obscurity that Jackson Pollock experienced early in his career. This quote is significant in understanding the trajectory of Pollock's artistic journey and the eventual emergence of his groundbreaking contributions to the world of art.

During the late 1930s, Jackson Pollock was struggling to gain recognition as an artist. His early works were influenced by regionalist and surrealist styles, and he was experimenting with various techniques and approaches to his art. However, he remained largely unknown in the art world at that time. The quote by Lee Krasner illuminates the fact that Pollock's name had not yet made an impact or gained any significant attention within the artistic community.

It is important to note that Jackson Pollock's artistic breakthrough came in the 1940s when he began to develop his unique style of drip painting, which would later become synonymous with his name. This innovative technique involved pouring and dripping paint onto canvases, allowing the paint to flow and create intricate, dynamic compositions. This marked a radical departure from traditional methods of painting and quickly garnered attention for its pioneering approach.

Lee Krasner's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and anonymity that many artists face in the early stages of their careers. It highlights the transformative journey that Pollock underwent, from being virtually unknown to becoming one of the most influential figures in the abstract expressionist movement. His evolution from obscurity to prominence underscores the resilience, determination, and creative vision that ultimately propelled him to artistic acclaim.

Furthermore, the quote also underscores the role of recognition and support within the art world. While Pollock's name may have been "totally unknown and unheard of" in the late 1930s, his eventual rise to prominence was influenced by various factors, including the support of fellow artists, critics, and patrons who recognized the significance of his innovative work. Additionally, the support and encouragement from Krasner, who later became his wife, played a pivotal role in Pollock's artistic development and eventual recognition.

In retrospect, Lee Krasner's quote not only captures a specific moment in Jackson Pollock's early career but also symbolizes the broader challenges and uncertainties that artists often face in their pursuit of creative expression and validation. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of artistic evolution and the enduring impact of perseverance and innovation in the face of initial anonymity and obscurity.

In conclusion, Lee Krasner's quote provides a glimpse into the early struggles of Jackson Pollock as an artist and the eventual transformation that led to his enduring legacy. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the artistic journey and the profound impact of perseverance, innovation, and support in shaping the trajectory of an artist's career. Jackson Pollock's transition from obscurity to artistic renown stands as a testament to the transformative power of creative vision and the enduring legacy of his pioneering contributions to the world of art.