1. The problem asks: The Abstract Expressionists were most directly influenced by which art movement? 2. The options are: a. Impressionism b. Post-Modernism c. Surrealism d. Conceptual Art 3. Abstract Expressionism is a post-World War II art movement characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. 4. It was most directly influenced by Surrealism, which emphasized the unconscious mind and dream imagery, inspiring Abstract Expressionists to explore spontaneous and subconscious techniques. 5. Therefore, the correct answer is c. Surrealism.