“Incision,” created by Jay DeFeo in 1961, is an abstract piece that belongs to the Abstract Expressionism movement. The artwork employs a textured, complex composition that reflects DeFeo’s unique approach to abstraction.
The artwork presents an intricately layered surface dominated by dark hues, predominantly black, gray, and subtle hints of off-white. A sense of deliberate chaos and intense emotion is conveyed through its rugged and uneven texture, invoking a tactile experience for the viewer. The thick application of material creates a significant relief, forming a dramatic contrast between light and shadow. The piece exudes a raw, almost geological aesthetic, as if capturing the essence of erratic natural formations or the tumultuous forces of nature itself. The interplay of darkness and light, combined with the rough surface quality, epitomizes the essence of Abstract Expressionism, showcasing DeFeo’s masterful manipulation of form and texture.
