The artwork entitled “Shift” is a nude figurative painting created by Jenny Saville between 1996 and 1997. It belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement. This genre of art focuses on the depiction of the human body, often celebrating its natural form with raw and powerful representation.
In “Shift,” the artist presents a collection of female nudes whose bodies seem to meld together, creating a densely packed and somewhat overwhelming composition. The figures appear to be tightly compressed within the confines of the canvas, almost as if they are shifting and merging into one another. The brushwork is vigorous and expressive, capturing the intricacies of the human form with stark realism and a palpable sense of fleshiness. The various shades of skin tones and the subtle anatomical details emphasize the physicality and the corporeal presence of the figures, embodying themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition in a compelling and evocative manner.
