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Abstract Expressionism

This is a type of art in which the artist creates the piece purely through the use of form and color. It does not represent anything other than an idea, which means that there are no actual objects represented.
 
Many believe that this is the first American artistic movement of any international importance.

There are two types: "Action Painting, typified by artists such as Pollock, de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Philip Guston, stressed the physical action involved in painting; Color Field Painting, practiced by Mark Rothko and Kenneth Noland, among others, was primarily concerned with exploring the effects of pure color on a canvas."- Artcyclopedia

The term Abstract Expressionism was originally used to describe the work of Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and  Arshile Gorky. 

Academic Art

This refers to painting and sculpture produced under the influence of the Academies in Europe and especially France. It is characterized by a very polished style. In addition it uses mythological, religious  or historical subjects. It has a moralistic tone.

The term "Academic Art" is associated particularly with the French Academy and the 19th century salons at which art was submitted for display and prizes were awarded. Some artists associated with this movement are Jean-Leon and  Gerome Bouguereau.

 

Adapted from Artcyclopedia