What similarities and differences can be found between the Neo-Expressionist and the New Image movements in painting?

The Neo-Expressionist and New Image movements are two important art movements that emerged in the late 20th century. While there are some similarities between these two movements, there are also some important differences that distinguish them from each other.

Similarities

• Both movements emerged in the 1970s as a reaction against the dominant artistic styles of the time, such as Minimalism and Conceptual Art.
• Both movements are characterized by a return to figurative art, with a focus on the human figure and the representation of recognizable objects.
• Both movements are characterized by an interest in the physical qualities of paint and the act of painting itself, with artists using thick, impastoed paint and visible brushstrokes to create a sense of materiality and texture.

Differences

• Neo-Expressionism is characterized by an emphasis on emotion and personal expression, with artists using bold, gestural brushstrokes and vivid colors to convey a sense of intensity and energy. New Image, on the other hand, is characterized by a more detached, objective approach, with artists using crisp, precise lines and a muted palette to create a sense of detachment and coolness.
• Neo-Expressionism is also more overtly political than New Image, with many artists using their work to comment on social and political issues of the time, such as the Cold War, AIDS crisis, and urban decay. New Image, on the other hand, tends to be more concerned with the formal qualities of painting and the act of representation itself.

In conclusion, while both Neo-Expressionism and New Image are important movements in the history of painting, they differ in their approach to the act of painting, the representation of the figure, and the role of politics in art.