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Photography by Edward C. Robison III

Number 30 (Birds of Paradise)

Jackson Pollock wrote in 1947, “The source of my painting is the unconscious.” He further explained, “When I am in my painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It is only after a sort of ‘get acquainted’ period that I see what I have been about. I have no fears about making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.”

ArtistJackson Pollock(1912-1956)
Date1949
MediumOil, enamel, and aluminum paint on paper mounted on board
Dimensions31 x 22 1/2 in. (78.7 x 57.2 cm)
Signedc.l.: Jackson Pollock 49
Credit LinePromised Gift to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas
ClassificationPainting
On ViewYes
Number 30 (Birds of …31 × 22.5 in.Tennis Ball2.7 in. diameter

This artwork's face covers about 96× the area of a tennis ball.Drawn to the same scale.

Number 30 (Birds of Paradise) by Jackson Pollock | Crystal Bridges