Midnight Neo Expressionism

@midnightneo-blog

Welcome to Midnight Neo Expressionism. Neo expressionism was an art movement that started in the late 1970's as a reaction to the Minimalist movement. These works of art take scenes out of life and add a violent, raw emotion to them, showing the intense shift of culture happening during that time. Starting in Germany, the movement made its way into American art galleries through the works of one of my favorite artists, and one of the artists in this exhibition, Jean-Michel Basquiat. His social commentary, mixed with the violent but beautiful neo expressionist style, created a very unique view of the world. His bright use of color, and simple shapes reminiscent of the great Pablo Picasso, takes the viewer into his mind. Human thought and emotion being a main theme in his art, you can see the struggles he had been dealing within himself directly in his art. The second artist I chose is Marcus Janson. Painting in New York City at the same time as Basquiat, I believe Janson has carried the torch that Jean-Michel lit. While Marcus's work seems more refined, pure emotion still bleeds from the canvas. Whether it is his rugged city scenes, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or surreal portraits, the values of neo expressionism still stand. His urban landscapes are so moving that he is the first living contemporary artist to have a classical music piece composed for his work. Both artists are extremely influential not only among artists, but African Americans in general. - Jordan Koch

10 posts

Marcus Janson

The Apprentice, 2009, 60” x 72”.

I see this painting as a self-portrait of sorts. After going to school in Germany, Jansen made his way back into the States and worked with many great artists, Jackson Pollack being one of them. I sense Pollack in Jansen's work, harmony within chaos, and I think Jansen knows this as well.

Marcus Janson

Faceless #1, 2012 , 30x40"

This painting is apart of a series called Faceless. The series subverts the trope of the portrait, by focusing on the meaning behind the subject rather than the subject itself. The men in suits represent the faceless corporations that continue to pollute and ruin society. These CEOs aren't people behind the mask, but black souless masses.

Marcus Janson

Cyber Surveillance on Wasteland, 2009, 108 x 72 in.

This is a powerful statement on the state of surveillance in our country. I see it as Jansen commenting on the irrelevant nature of spying on millions of American citizens, when there are many more important issues we should face. The mountains of trash show this, and the slums that are built on top of them.

Marcus Janson

(Novus) Artificial Farms, 2008, 108 x 72 in

This piece must have been inspired by the wonderfully trashed streets of New York. The title Artificial Farms, symbolizes the amount of food waste and littering of containers of all kinds throughout the city. For the homeless, these are literally farms of food, free to pick from. Jansen creates beauty out of the trash society despises.

Marcus Janson

Manufactured Landscapes, 2009, 274.3x182.8cm

Jansen went to school in Germany, the birthplace of neo expressionism, so he was introduced to the movement at an early age. He mixes the raw street art of graffitti with the surreal atmosphere of expressionism. His landscapes portray the scenes he lived in, whether it be the sprawling city of New York, or the centuries old cities of Germany.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Self-Portrait, 1984, 38 7/8 × 28 in

This self portrait really gives us a look into the mind of Basquiat, and how he views himself. Painted four years before his early, tragic death, you can see the suffering he was going through. Red, hollow eyes, that look as if they are spilling blood. It's like he takes what he sees in the real world then bleeds out onto the canvas.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Ailing Ali in Fight of Life, 1984, 193 x 267 cm

In this piece, Basquiat teamed up with Andy Warhol to create a colorful, but powerful social commentary. By the early 80's, Nike had established 50% of athletic shoe market share. This time also experienced the immense rise of consumerism and brand worship. This piece reinforces the art world's stance on consumerism, and will continue to mock it to this day.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Untitled (Estrella), 1985, (74.9 x 105.7 cm)

Basquiat was obsessed with the human body and the human thought process and it is often featured in his work. It is shown very prominently here, where you have drawings of hands, a skull, the stomach, etc. Surrounding these images are the frantic thoughts of a troubled, but beautiful artist.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Untitled (Boxing Ring), 1981, (56.2 x 76.5 cm)

This piece may be my favorite one of his in this exhibition. Many artists go out into the world and stylize what they see in their work. This piece is no different and I can imagine Basquiat sitting in front of the television fixated on the spectacle that is boxing. The simplicity of it and the fact that it looks like a child made it brings out emotions of innocence and awe that we would often feel as a child.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Untitled, 1981, (123 x 157.5 cm)

Jean-Michel Basquiat had an extremely unique view of this world, and it can clearly be seen in his work. This painting, like many of others of his, is Untitled, showing other aspect of Basquiat's quirky personality. He lets the audience interpret his work, and allows them to create their own title with their own meaning behind it.

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