The artwork, titled “Bodily Fluid,” was created by Marlene Dumas in 1996. It is associated with the Neo-Expressionism movement and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu).
“Bodily Fluid” features a striking portrayal of a nude figure, rendered with a stark and somewhat unsettling minimalism. The figure stands upright with a direct, confrontational stance, the body depicted with broad, cursory brushstrokes that convey a raw and almost unfinished quality. The face is obscured by a dark, shadowy mass, with streaks of blue that suggest depth and emotional turmoil. The deliberate use of contrasting black, white, and blue emphasizes the tension and vulnerability inherent in the subject matter. The overall composition exudes a sense of fragility and intensity, characteristic of Dumas’ exploration of the human condition and emotional landscapes.
