The artwork titled “Days Work,” created by Philip Guston, is a piece that belongs to the Neo-Expressionism movement and falls under the figurative genre. It is part of the “Unpopulated” series.
The artwork predominantly features abstract and cartoonish forms rendered in vivid colors primarily comprising reds, pinks, oranges, and greens against a muted backdrop. These forms appear unrefined and raw, evoking a sense of immediacy and expressive vigor. Guston’s signature use of thick black outlines adds to the boldness of the shapes while the textural brushstrokes give a sense of depth and movement. The composition appears to be a jumble of various everyday items or parts thereof, which could be interpreted as a commentary on the mundane aspects of daily life or a critique of modern existence. The lack of human figures in the piece aligns with the title of the series, “Unpopulated”, suggesting a focus on the objects and environment rather than the individual, inviting the viewer to contemplate the interaction and significance of the commonplace elements depicted. The integration of rough textures and layered paint applications further heightens the expressive quality inherent to the Neo-Expressionist style.
