What is Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas?
Jacksonpollock.org is a web artwork by Greek artist Miltos Manetas, first put online in October 2003. The page is a blank canvas. As you move your mouse, paint drips and splatters behind it, and the faster you move the bigger the splashes. Click to switch to a random new colour and keep layering until it starts to look like a real abstract painting.
Manetas describes it as a website readymade, and it has been a fixture on lists of weird and wonderful websites for two decades. The original was built in Flash, and the current version has been rebuilt in HTML5 with Paper.js, so it still works in modern browsers. There are no tools, menus or instructions, which is what makes it so easy to lose a few minutes in.
What You Can Do
- A full-screen canvas that paints as you move
- Click to change to a random paint colour
- Mouse speed changes how the paint lands
- Press Space to wipe the canvas and start again
- No menus, sign-ups or instructions
How to Play Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas
- Open jacksonpollock.org.
- Move your mouse across the screen to drip paint.
- Click to switch colours.
- Press Space to clear the canvas and start over.
Is Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas Free?
Jacksonpollock.org is completely free with no account, ads or purchases.
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Kids and adults who like to doodle
- Art teachers introducing abstract expressionism
- Fans of classic internet art
- Anyone who needs a quick creative break
Websites Like Jackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas
- Silk: Another mouse-driven art toy that makes something beautiful from simple strokes.
- Koalas to the Max: A classic, simple web toy with a satisfying payoff.
- WebGL Fluid Simulation: Swirl colours around the screen instead of splattering them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jacksonpollock.org free?
Yes. It is free to use with no sign-up and nothing to buy.
How do I change colours?
Click anywhere on the canvas to switch to a random new colour.
Who made the site?
Artist Miltos Manetas created it in 2003 as a web artwork.