“The Sea,” created by Julian Schnabel in 1981, is an evocative piece of neo-expressionist, figurative art. This artwork employs mixed media to convey a dynamic seascape, integrating elements of abstraction and raw textures, characteristic of the neo-expressionist movement to which the artist belongs.
The artwork features a robust, textural composition composed of various materials, including broken ceramics that contribute to its three-dimensional quality. The predominant hues are deep blues and whites, evocative of the sea and waves, with scattered pieces of pottery providing an added layer of complexity and depth. The central motif could be seen as an abstract representation of the sea, with turbulent waves depicted through vigorous brushstrokes and fragments that hint at the debris often found along a shoreline. The use of diverse materials grants the piece a sculptural quality, engaging the viewer with its tactile aspects as well as its dramatic visual impact.
