The artwork titled “Bad Habits” by Philip Guston, created in 1970, is an example of Neo-Expressionism within the figurative genre. It is part of Guston’s “Klansmen” series and is currently housed at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra, Australia.
The artwork depicts two hooded figures, reminiscent of Klansmen, adorned in white robes with red and black detailing. The figures appear to be seated, surrounded by various objects, including a large green-topped bottle and smaller containers, implying a context of indulgence or recklessness. The background is sparsely sketched, featuring simple contours of a lampshade, curtains, and other household items, creating an everyday domestic scene that contrasts starkly with the sinister presence of the figures. The overall composition uses a muted palette dominated by whites, reds, and blacks, contributing to the work’s unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.
