"The Irascibles"

"The Irascibles" was a group of prominent American artists in the 1950s who protested against the narrowly defined art norms promoted by the Whitney Museum’s 1950 exhibition "American Painting." Led by painter Charles Burchfield and others, they criticized the museum’s focus on abstract expressionism, advocating instead for greater recognition of diverse artistic styles. Their collective action highlighted tensions within the art community about innovation, tradition, and institutional influence, ultimately shaping modern American art discourse by emphasizing individuality and creative freedom.