In conjunction with the exhibition Abstract Expressionist New York, on view at The Museum of Modern Art through April 25, 2011, MoMA released a free application for the Apple iPad. The Ab Ex NY App utilizes the technological capabilities of the iPad to foster enjoyment and understanding of major works of art from the Abstract Expressionist movement, which catapulted New York City to the center of the international art world in the 1950s and had a lasting influence on the history of modern art. The App is an informative and entertaining resource for use before or after a visit to the exhibition, or as a stand-alone guide to Abstract Expressionism through the lens of MoMA's collection.
The Ab Ex NY App provides iPad users with an immersive mobile experience blending high-resolution imagery, audio, video, mapping, and text in a user-friendly, fluid, and social interface. Some 60 images of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs are drawn from the exhibition and its related publication. Images can be seen as a group in a visual mosaic on the home screen, browsed by artist or by chronology, bookmarked, expanded in size to examine details, shared with friends via Twitter, or viewed in a slide-show format. Related text from the exhibition places the works in a larger art-historical context.
The works of art are complemented by 20 short videos, including commentary by MoMA's Marie-Josee and Henry Kravis Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture, Ann Temkin, who offers her insights on the movement and its major artists, such as Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, Lee Krasner, and Jackson Pollock. Other videos show, in vivid detail, educator and independent conservator Corey D'Augustine performing hands-on demonstrations of painting techniques used by the Abstract Expressionists and explanations of relevant art terms.
To underscore the connection of the Abstract Expressionist movement to New York City, the App features an illustrated interactive map, with audio and archival images, that highlights the locations in New York City and Long Island where these artists lived, worked, exhibited, and socialized. Certain features of the App-the audio, video, and map-require access to a WiFi connection or a 3G network.
Users can also read an excerpt from, or follow links to purchase, the exhibition catalogue; buy tickets to visit the Museum; shop for related products in the MoMA Store; or join the Museum as a member.