The artwork, titled “Joséphine,” was created by Grace Hartigan in the year 1983. This piece belongs to the art movements of Neo-Expressionism and Pop Art, and it is a portrait genre artwork.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted wearing a vibrant yellow dress, her pose conveying a sense of grace and elegance. The figure stands out prominently against a dark, almost somber background that is a mix of deep black and dark blue tones. The artist uses bold outlines to define the woman’s features and figure, a characteristic technique of Neo-Expressionism. The dress, rendered in a striking yellow, contrasts vividly with the dark backdrop, drawing the viewer’s attention immediately to the central figure. The simplistic yet expressive style of the portrait captures the essence of the subject, focusing on the emotions and attitudes implied through posture and color contrasts. The use of minimal detail in the face and hands adds an element of abstraction, inviting viewers to interpret the emotive content through the interplay of color and form. This interplay creates a dynamic and compelling visual experience, emblematic of Hartigan’s unique approach to portraiture within the context of Neo-Expressionism and Pop Art.