The artwork entitled “Butterfly,” created by Dana Schutz in 2012, falls within the Neo-Expressionism art movement and is categorized as a portrait. The piece exhibits a distinct modern style characterized by vibrant colors and abstract forms.
In the artwork, a child-like figure, with exaggerated facial features, is depicted engrossed in manipulating a butterfly. The interplay of the bright and contrasting hues combined with the dynamic brushstrokes accentuates the intensity and emotional depth characteristic of Neo-Expressionism. The background is suggestive of a natural setting with broad, green leaves providing a juxtaposition to the central figure. The delicate handling of the butterfly by the figure conveys a poignant moment of interaction between humanity and nature. The use of vivid and contrasting colors, along with the playful yet intense expression of the subject, encapsulates the raw and emotive essence emblematic of Dana Schutz’s artistic style.
