“The Verónica,” created by Jay DeFeo in 1957, is an abstract artwork associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement. This piece exhibits the fundamental traits of the genre, utilizing non-representational forms to convey emotion and dynamism through the medium of oil on canvas.
The artwork is characterized by its swirling, textured patterns and a palette rich in earthy tones and subtle dashes of subdued reds and golds. The composition seems to radiate, drawing the viewer’s eye through a labyrinthine play of light and shadow, suggestive of organic motion or perhaps the delicate unfurling of a complex, natural structure. The brushwork is vigorous and highly gestural, imbuing the piece with a sense of spontaneity and raw energy. The physical depth of the paint creates a palpable tactile quality, inviting observers to ponder the relationship between form and texture. This artwork stands as a testament to DeFeo’s ability to merge intensity with elegance, a hallmark of her contribution to Abstract Expressionism.
