Depression, Selbstporträt (1932)

"Depression, Selbstporträt" (1932) is a compelling work by the artist Karl Wiener that delves into the depths of human emotion and psychological turmoil. This self-portrait is a striking representation of the individual's internal struggle with depression, conveyed through intense and somber tones that dominate the canvas.The painting features the artist's face in a haunting depiction; his expression is somber and his eyes are deeply set, reflecting a profound sadness and weariness. The color palette is dominated by blues and purples, colors often associated with melancholy and introspection, which engulf the figure and appear to compress around him, intensifying the feeling of emotional confinement and isolation.Further emphasis is added by the stark, almost ghostly depiction of Wiener’s facial features. The exaggerated elongation of his face and the sharp contours suggest a deep inner conflict, possibly reflecting the artist's personal experiences and emotional state at the time. The background, a mixture of darker shades, merges almost indistinguishably with the figure, symbolizing perhaps the blurring of self with the engulfing nature of his emotions.This self-portrait not only serves as a profound personal statement from Karl Wiener but also as a universal depiction of the struggle with depressive states. It invites viewers to reflect on the impacts of mental health and the profound ways it can influence art and artistic expression.