“Night Magic (Blue Jester)” is an evocative painting created by Carlos Almaraz in 1988. As a part of the Neo-Expressionism movement, this figurative artwork distinctly portrays the dynamic and vivid aesthetic synonymous with the movement.
The artwork features a surreal nocturnal cityscape illuminated under a crescent moon and an array of dazzling colored lights. Figures dominate the foreground, painted in contrasting hues and bold outlines, suggesting a dreamlike or otherworldly scene. The central element is a large figure in blue, reminiscent of a jester, who seems to be floating or dancing, encapsulated in circular forms of light. Surrounding this figure, other silhouetted and vividly colored forms add to the chaotic, yet enchanting atmosphere. The background showcases an urban setting with dark, towering buildings pierced by illuminated windows, creating a stark contrast with the vibrant foreground. The brushwork is vigorous and expressive, imbuing the scene with a sense of vitality and intensity, characteristic of Almaraz’s signature style.
