Gesicht (around 1928)

"Gesicht," a remarkable painting executed around 1928 by the artist Karl Wiener, invites viewers into a world of vivid expression and intense emotion. Dominated by a powerful depiction of a face, this piece radiates an arresting aura achieved through the use of bold colors and stark contrasts.The subject’s face in the painting is portrayed with an exaggerated expression, the eyes wide and staring, conveying a sense of alarm or astonishment. Each feature is accentuated, from the broad, arched eyebrows to the prominently outlined, vivid red lips set against a canvas that bursts with colors including shades of blue, orange, green, and yellow. These colors are not just mere decorations but serve as a potent vehicle for displaying psychological depth and the emotional turmoil possibly experienced by the figure.The brushwork is vigorous and dynamic, contributing to an overall effect that is both disconcerting and captivating. This combined with the choice of a dark, almost turbulent background further enhances the dramatic feel of the painting and pulls the viewer's focus towards the central figure, making it almost impossible to look away.Karl Wiener’s "Gesicht" is a masterful exploration of human emotion, portrayed through a lens that is as intensely personal as it is universally relatable. This painting is not just seen, but felt, encapsulating a moment of raw, unguarded expression that continues to resonate with audiences today.