Neoexpressionist

Neoexpressionism is a broad artistic movement that emerged in the late 1970s and gained prominence in the 1980s, primarily in Europe and North America. It represented a return to figurative painting and a rejection of the minimalist and conceptual art that had dominated the preceding decades. Key characteristics of Neoexpressionism include a renewed interest in emotional intensity, subjective experience, and a focus on the artist's personal feelings and psychological states.

Artists associated with Neoexpressionism often employed bold, gestural brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and distorted or exaggerated forms. There was a deliberate embrace of subjectivity and a willingness to explore darker themes, often drawing inspiration from mythology, history, personal trauma, and primal instincts. The movement was not monolithic, with various artists and groups developing distinct styles and approaches within the broader Neoexpressionist framework.

Notable figures often associated with Neoexpressionism include Anselm Kiefer, Georg Baselitz, and Markus Lüpertz in Germany; Julian Schnabel, David Salle, and Eric Fischl in the United States; and Jean-Michel Basquiat, who straddled both the art world and graffiti culture. The movement was characterized by its diverse influences, ranging from earlier expressionist movements like German Expressionism to aspects of Fauvism and Abstract Expressionism. Neoexpressionism reasserted the importance of painting as a medium for conveying powerful emotions and engaging with complex societal and personal narratives.