The artwork “Dead Zebra”, created by Dana Schutz in 2003, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre of figurative and animal painting. The composition depicts a zebra in a somber state of repose, rendered with expressive brushstrokes and a vibrant palette characteristic of the Neo-Expressionism style.
In the artwork, the zebra lies beneath a densely layered canopy of tree branches, characterized by bold, dynamic colors and patterns. The background features an array of lush green foliage contrasted with bright hues of yellow and orange, suggesting an energetic and lively environment. Despite its title, the portrayal of the zebra retains an abstracted and almost surreal quality, with its form broken down into geometrically inclined segments. The scene combines the intensity of vivid coloration and the somber theme, evoking a complex emotional response from the viewer.