The artwork, titled “Untitled (Surfer),” was created by Julian Schnabel in 2008. It belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement and is a part of the “Surf Paintings” series spanning from 2006 to 2008. As a piece of figurative photography, it conveys a scene of raw and dynamic motion contextualized within the genre’s expressive framework.
In the artwork, a lone surfer is captured riding a colossal wave. The black and white photograph is accentuated with broad strokes of white paint, creating a striking contrast against the dark, tumultuous ocean. The intervention with paint adds a layer of abstraction, drawing attention to the raw and monumental force of nature juxtaposed with human endeavor. The white strokes evoke a sense of movement and transformation, integrating the medium of photography with the painterly qualities associated with Neo-Expressionism. This fusion of media underscores Schnabel’s ability to transcend traditional boundaries, offering a multifaceted visual experience.
