Text 1: Art historian Dr. Lisa Moore traces abstract expressionism. "Abstract expressionism emerged from European modernist influences and American individualism," Moore writes. "Inner expression replaced representation. The movement was culturally and artistically revolutionary."
Text 2: Historian Dr. David Park documents Cold War patronage. "The CIA covertly funded abstract expressionism as cultural propaganda," Park reports. "American 'freedom' was contrasted with Soviet realism. Understanding the movement requires grasping its political instrumentalization."
What does Park's historical research add to Moore's art historical narrative?
That abstract expressionism never existed as a movement
That political and institutional factors shaped the movement's prominence
That European influences were absent
That artistic expression has no meaning
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Moore tells an internal art story—European roots, American individuality. Park adds external forces—CIA funding, Cold War propaganda. Political context shaped which art became prominent.
- Evidence: Park: covert funding and cultural propaganda role.
- Reasoning: Art history alone misses institutional shaping.
- Conclusion: Park adds political/institutional factors.
Choice A is incorrect because Park explains the movement's success. Choice C is incorrect because Park doesn't dispute influences. Choice D is incorrect because Park examines how art was used.