Neo Expressionism is an art movement which emerged in the late 1970s and lasted throughout the 1980s. It has been seen as a reaction against the more intellectual approaches of Minimalism, Conceptualism and Postmodernism, and as a re-emergence of figurative painting. The movement was characterized by a return to the expression of emotion and imagination through the use of bold colors, gestural brushstrokes, and exaggerated forms.
Neo Expressionist artists rejected the cool, intellectual stance of Minimalism and Conceptualism and sought to express themselves more directly and emotionally. To do this, they sought to re-introduce expressive elements into their work. This meant using bold colors and exaggerated forms to convey a sense of energy and emotion. They also sought to break away from the use of geometric forms and instead embraced the expressive potential of gestural brushstrokes.
Neo Expressionists were also interested in exploring the relationship between artist, artwork, and audience. They sought to create works that were more personal, direct, and accessible. This was in contrast to Minimalism and Conceptualism which often sought to distance the artist from the artwork. Neo Expressionists wanted to create works that had an immediate and powerful impact on the viewer.
Neo Expressionism was a diverse movement with different styles and approaches. Some of the most influential figures included Georg Baselitz, Anselm Kiefer, Julian Schnabel, and Francesco Clemente. Baselitz was known for his bold and often unsettling paintings, which often featured distorted figures, gestural brushstrokes, and intense colors. Kiefer was known for his large-scale works which often combined painting, sculpture, and installation. Schnabel was known for his highly expressive works which often featured broken objects and fragmented imagery. Clemente was known for his dreamlike works which often featured abstracted figures and gestures.
Neo Expressionism was an influential movement which had a lasting impact on the art world. It encouraged artists to explore emotion and imagination in their work and challenge the intellectual approaches of Minimalism and Conceptualism. It also provided a platform for artists to explore their own personal visions and create works that had a direct and powerful impact on the viewer. Although the movement was short-lived, it left an indelible mark on the art world and continues to inspire artists today.