The artwork titled “Fist in Mouth,” created by Bruce Nauman in 1990, is a figurative piece that falls within the Minimalism art movement.
In the artwork, a side profile of a human head is depicted, predominantly in dark tones. The head appears to be rendered with diffused and rough brushwork, lacking distinct facial features but forming a recognizable silhouette. From the oval outline of the mouth area, there protrudes a highly detailed, realistically painted fist executing the titular action of being placed inside the mouth. The contrast in detail between the fist and the rest of the head draws immediate focus to the central action, evoking a sense of discomfort or contemplation. The background is sparse and minimally decorated, characterized by a nearly uniform, off-white complexion. The simplicity and starkness inherent in the piece encapsulate the essence of Minimalist aesthetics, while the figurative approach maintains a direct engagement with the human form and psychological expression.