“Closed Contact #14” is a figurative artwork created by Jenny Saville between 1995 and 1996. This piece belongs to the Neo-Expressionism movement, wherein the artist profoundly explores and portrays the human form with intense emotion and rawness.
The artwork displays a close-up view of a human face being physically manipulated, with a hand pressing onto the face in a manner that distorts the natural contours. The skin appears taut and flushed under the pressure, emphasizing the texture and elasticity of the flesh. The closed eye of the individual and the force applied onto the face convey a sense of vulnerability and invasion. The intense focus on the physicality of the human body conveys a visceral reaction, characteristic of Jenny Saville’s style and her exploration of human form and identity. The piece powerfully exemplifies the emotive intensity and bold, expressive brushwork typical of Neo-Expressionism.
