The artwork titled “Group of Faces II” was created by the artist Jean Dubuffet in the year 1946. Belonging to the figurative genre, this piece exemplifies the artist’s distinctive style and thematic focus during that period.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a series of starkly-rendered faces arrayed in a horizontal composition. The faces depicted bear a primitive, almost totemic quality, with each figure displaying bold, black outlines and simplified facial features that are both abstract and expressive. The artist’s use of exaggerated proportions and minimal detailing contribute to a raw and direct visual impact, evoking a sense of spontaneous creation and a departure from traditional representations of the human form. The absence of color, relying solely on the contrast between black and white, further accentuates the simplicity and intensity of the forms. With its raw execution and strong visual language, “Group of Faces II” reflects Dubuffet’s interest in art that is unencumbered by conventional aesthetics and resonates with a visceral authenticity.