Can you build abs from weightlifting?

In most daily activities, the primary function of the abdominal and lumbar spine muscles is to stabilise the spine. Strengthening the core in this capacity is best served by movements which load the spine, i.e. barbell squats, deadlifts, cleans, and presses. One needs only look at powerlifters such as Kirk Karwoski to see the sheer size of the abdominal muscles in individuals who regularly load the spine with enormous weights.