Question

Which art movement was a major influence on abstract expressionism?

surrealism



Dada



impressionism

Answer 1

It is most definitely surrealism :)
Hmm.. The general ideas about abstract expression was that it focused on the artist's psyche and spontaneous technique which was parallel to the general themes of surrealism which was emphasise the unconscious mind.

Dada focused on mockery of the materialistic and nationalistic attitudes. IT also began in 1916 and ended around 1924 i believe.
It's important to note that abstract expressionism came about at 1943 and ended in late 1965 :)

Surrealism began in 1924 so after Dada and ended in late 1966. Surrealism centresed on the ability to tap into the subconscious mind and creativity because it was believed that realism repressed the power of imagination. So, it went on to shape the Abstract Expressionists and still remains influential in today's art culture.

Finally, impressionism began in the early 1870's and ended in early 1892.
Impressionism was generally focused on capturing a moment or a scene as it happened. So i don't think had much to do with abstract expressionism at all :).