The artwork titled “Under the Volcano” by Pierre Alechinsky, created in 1977, is an embodiment of the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls under the figurative genre. This piece vividly encapsulates the dynamic and emotionally charged characteristics inherent to Neo-Expressionism.
In the artwork, a diverse array of expressive forms and vibrant colors comes together to create a powerful visual impact. Central to the composition is a bold, chaotic arrangement of swirling, abstract figures and fragmented shapes, structured in a manner reminiscent of distortions. The artwork employs a vigorous use of line and a varied palette of colors, contributing to its energetic and tumultuous feel. The segmented elements of the piece, coupled with the mysterious and somewhat unsettling faces and forms that emerge from the background, invite the observer into a dynamic narrative and a whirlwind of emotional intensity. The title placement, “Under the Volcano,” centrally located among the swirling figures, further grounds the piece in its thematic exploration, potentially alluding to a sense of urgency and underlying eruption of passionate emotions.
