Jazz-some Pollocks on show

Tate Liverpool is to display works by Jackson Pollock, which were heavily influenced by 1950s jazz.

The exhibition, called ‘Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots’ is the first in more than 30 years to display paintings from 1951-53 – a phase known as his Black Pourings. The abstract expressionist famously painted to jazz music once remarking that it was the only other really creative thing happening. His particular favourites included John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie and Ornette Coleman. In fact, Coleman used a Pollock piece on the cover of his seminal ‘Free Jazz’ album in 1954.

Tate Liverpool, located in the city’s Albert Docks area, opens the exhibition on Tuesday June 30th, and then celebrates with a weekend of free live music on 4th-5th July. The Martin Smith Jazz Band and pianist David Fischel will recreate some of those classic sounds to help paint an audio picture of Pollock’s influences.

Jackson Pollock died in a car crash in August 1956, while Ornette Coleman died just two weeks ago, aged 85.