Neo-Expressionism: The Return of the Figure
In the late 1970s and 80s, Neo-Expressionism emerged as a reaction against the coldness of Minimalism and Conceptual Art. It brought back intense subjectivity, recognizable figures, and large-scale canvases.
Visual Language
- Rough Handling of Materials: Thick impasto and aggressive textures.
- Mythological and Historical Themes: Often exploring national identity and collective trauma.
Leading Figures
Anselm Kiefer, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Julian Schnabel.