Arab 1983

Rainer Fetting created ‘Arab’ with oil paint, applied in thick impasto strokes. The materiality of oil paint is crucial here; its inherent viscosity allows Fetting to build up layers, creating a textured surface that captures light and shadow. Look closely, and you'll see how the brushstrokes themselves contribute to the form, particularly in the subject’s clothing and facial features. This direct, almost sculptural approach to painting reflects a desire to break away from traditional notions of representation, instead embracing the physical qualities of the medium. Fetting was part of the Neo-Expressionist movement, and his style shares some similarities with German Expressionism. The expressive application of paint conveys raw emotion and challenges the viewer to confront the artist's subjective experience. The visible labor in the application of the paint reflects an interest in process and the artist's hand, elevating the act of painting itself. By emphasizing the importance of materials and making, we can understand how Fetting pushes the boundaries of traditional painting.