The artwork titled “Untitled” by artist Janet Sobel, created circa 1946, exemplifies the Automatic Painting and Art Brut movements. Categorized as an abstract and symbolic painting, this piece encapsulates a raw, instinctive approach to art-making.
In the artwork, Sobel employs a combination of abstract and symbolic elements to create a complex, visually rich composition. The piece features a backdrop of intricately intertwined, erratic lines and shapes that evoke a sense of spontaneity and emotional intensity, characteristic of Automatic Painting. Prominent in the foreground are three abstract human-like faces rendered with bold, black brushstrokes, interspersed with streaks of pastel hues and set against a deep, earthy-red background. The overall effect is one of dynamic motion and psychological depth, inviting viewers to explore the unspoken narratives and symbolisms embedded within the chaotic yet harmonious forms.
