The artwork, titled “Self Portrait as a Pachyderm,” was created in 2005 by the artist Dana Schutz. It belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture.
In “Self Portrait as a Pachyderm,” the artist employs vigorous brushstrokes and vibrant colors to depict a portrait that exudes a sense of texture and emotional intensity. The subject’s face is rendered in a multitude of hues, including purples, blues, and earth tones, with the distinctive, thick application of paint characteristic of Neo-Expressionism. The hair is depicted in bold, fiery shades of red and orange, creating a striking contrast with the cooler tones of the face. The background, also rendered in warm, energetic hues, contributes to the overall dynamic and expressive quality of the piece. The subject wears a white collared shirt, which adds an element of contrast and focus to the composition. This artwork encapsulates the emotive and bold aesthetic associated with Dana Schutz’s style and the broader Neo-Expressionist movement.
