The artwork, titled “Reclining Nude,” was created by Dana Schutz in 2002. It is associated with the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu).
In the artwork, a figure is depicted reclining on a landscape that merges hues of yellow, pink, and orange, creating a vivid and surreal environment. The figure’s skin tone is rendered in a palette of purples and pinks, contrasting sharply with the surrounding bright yellow ground. The figure’s pose, lying on one side with a hand under the head and knees bent, conveys a sense of relaxation that is juxtaposed with the intense and somewhat disquieting expression on their face. The artwork exhibits bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant color usage, which are characteristic of the Neo-Expressionism movement. The overall composition is one of dynamic color interactions and emotional intensity, inviting viewers to explore the deeper psychological dimensions suggested by the scene.
