“Red Stare Head IV” is a figurative portrait created by artist Jenny Saville between 2006 and 2011. This artwork is a part of the Neo-Expressionism art movement, which typically features intense subjectivity and rough handling of materials. Jenny Saville’s works are renowned for their bold and raw exploration of the human form, often on a grand scale and with a particular focus on femininity and the body.
The artwork itself presents a close-up depiction of a face, rendered with thick, textural brushstrokes that impart a sense of raw physicality and emotional depth. The subject’s features appear both distorted and expressive, capturing a certain vulnerability and intensity. The eyes are particularly compelling, with one staring directly at the viewer, which might be the reason behind the naming of the piece. The use of color is notable; while the artwork is called “Red Stare Head IV,” there is a dominance of pale and flesh tones with streaks and smudges of red, suggesting the presence of both physical and psychological elements at play. The proportions and details of the face are manipulated, an approach typical of Saville’s work, challenging conventional notions of beauty and the representation of the human figure in art. The artwork’s scale further amplifies its impact, encouraging the viewer to confront the power of the human visage and the raw emotion conveyed through Saville’s vigorous application of paint.
