What is the defining feature of Action Painting?

The defining feature of Action Painting is the dribbling and splashing of paint onto the canvas, which emphasizes the physical act of painting itself. This style, associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement, focuses on the process of creating the artwork as much as the final product. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning exemplified this technique, where the dynamic application of paint captures emotions and spontaneity, making the act of painting visible and central to the artwork's meaning. This emphasis on movement and energy allows the viewer to feel the artist's emotional presence and physical interaction with the canvas.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different artistic concepts. The first choice relates to geometric abstraction, which emphasizes shapes and colors distinct from the physical process of painting. The third option refers to Dada and conceptual art, where found objects are transformed into art, and the fourth choice addresses Surrealism, focused on dreamlike imagery and subconscious exploration. Each of these options represents different art movements with distinctive characteristics that do not align with the core principles of Action Painting.