The artwork titled “Passage” was created by the artist Jenny Saville between the years 2004 and 2005. It is emblematic of the Neo-Expressionism movement and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu) and figurative art. Neo-Expressionism is characterized by its intense subjectivity and rough handling of materials, often communicating complex emotions and existential experiences.
“Passage” vividly captures the essence of the human form in a raw and expressive manner. The figure, rendered in thick, impasto brushstrokes, dominates the canvas. The use of a limited palette with blues and flesh tones emphasizes the corporeal subject matter, while the layered application of paint gives the work a tactile, almost sculptural quality. The figure’s pose is confronting yet relaxed, allowing the viewer to engage with the humanity and vulnerability of the subject. The gaze of the figure suggests introspection and presence, drawing the onlooker into a deeper contemplation of the self and the human condition.
