The artwork titled “Line” by Philip Guston, created in 1978, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement. It is a figurative piece and currently resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, a large, fleshy hand descends from a plume of gray and white clouds, rendered with thick and expressive strokes, in a surreal and somewhat ominous manner. The hand, extending two elongated fingers almost like legs, appears to be drawing or pointing at a simple, bold line on the ground. The background is minimalist, allowing the assertive, almost claustrophobic presence of the hand and its exaggerated detailing to dominate the composition. The vivid use of red contrasts starkly with the surrounding muted tones, emphasizing the hand’s central role and imparting a sense of urgency and intensity. Through its bold imagery and exaggerated forms, the artwork exemplifies the stylistic traits and emotional rawness characteristic of Neo-Expressionism.
