“Sneeze 3” is a portrait created by Dana Schutz in 2002 and is an example of Neo-Expressionism. The artwork vividly portrays the moment of a sneeze in progress, which is both humorous and intense. The artist uses a bold color palette and dynamic brushstrokes to depict the facial features and the act of sneezing with heightened emotional intensity.
In the artwork, the subject’s face is contorted due to the force of the sneeze, and there is a visible movement captured as if the sneeze has just occurred. The use of exaggerated lines and splashes of color around the nose and mouth area adds to the sense of sudden motion and chaos. The background is dominated by a vibrant green, which further accentuates the subject’s face and the overall action. The style and energetic execution of the piece are characteristic of Neo-Expressionism, emphasizing raw emotions and the physicality of the subject.