The artwork “Poisoned Man,” created by Dana Schutz in 2005, is a portrait that falls under the Neo-Expressionism movement. This genre is characterized by its emotional intensity and vivid, unrestrained style.
The artwork portrays a man with distorted and exaggerated facial features rendered in bold, impassioned brushstrokes of vibrant yellows, oranges, and blacks. The man’s face appears unnaturally swollen and discolored, as if reacting to a toxic substance. His eyes, dark and eerily hollow, contribute to the unsettling and dramatic impression. The application of color and texture gives the face a visceral, almost grotesque quality, emphasizing the suffering suggested by the title “Poisoned Man.” The background is a deep, somewhat chaotic blend of reds and browns, framing the figure and adding to the overall intensity and turmoil conveyed by the piece. The man’s attire, a suit with a tie, contrasts with his disfigured visage, further amplifying the dramatic effect. This piece exemplifies the Neo-Expressionist style through its emotive representation and the striking use of color and form.
