NEO-EXPRESSIONISM AND THE DUALITY OF LINE AND COLOR: A VISUAL READING OF "THE COUNCIL" EXHIBITION

Document Type : Specialized scientific research papers

Author

Graphic Department, , The Faculty of Fine Arts - Helwan University

10.47436/jaars.2025.373509.1253

Abstract

Art functions as a critical medium for reshaping societal realities and addressing political and social issues, reflecting transformations through diverse visual methodologies. Neo-Expressionism, marked by emotional intensity, distortion, and bold lines, emerged in the late twentieth century as a counter to conceptual and minimal art. It reinstated the capacity of art for direct emotional expression and critical engagement with political and social contexts. This study examines the concept of The Council exhibition, which interrogates themes of power, dominance, and decision-making processes that influence societal structures, employing Neo-Expressionist techniques. The research analyzes the interplay of line and color, illustrating how these visual elements construct a potent narrative of political and social hierarchies. Furthermore, the study explores the embedded political and social implications within the artworks, positioning art as a significant tool for critiquing capitalist systems and societal power dynamics. Through this lens, the exhibition demonstrates art’s role in challenging contemporary socio-political structures.

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