Study Reveals Hidden Images in Jackson Pollock Paintings

Recent research led by psychiatry professor Stephen M. Stahl suggests that Jackson Pollock's abstract paintings may contain hidden images, or 'polloglyphs,' that he might have unconsciously embedded due to his bipolar disorder. The study, published in CNS Spectrums, claims that these camouflaged images, including monkeys, clowns, and bottles, are present in several of his works, notably in the 1945 painting 'Troubled Queen.' Pollock's unique drip painting technique, which involved pouring paint onto a surface, may have allowed him to conceal these images in plain sight, reflecting his extraordinary spatial skills associated with his mental condition. The findings challenge the perception that Pollock's work is purely abstract and suggest that the presence of these recurring motifs indicates a deeper narrative within his art. Critics of the abstract expressionism movement may need to reconsider the complexity of Pollock's creative process and the potential influence of his psychological state on his art. This research not only alters the understanding of Pollock's contributions to modern art but also highlights the intricate relationship between mental health and creativity.