Super Bowl XXI New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos 1987

Editor: We're looking at "Super Bowl XXI New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos" by LeRoy Neiman, painted in 1987 using acrylics. The frenetic energy captured through the brushstrokes is quite remarkable, wouldn’t you say? What strikes you about the formal elements at play? Curator: Precisely. The dynamic composition is readily apparent. Notice how Neiman employs bold, expressive brushstrokes, particularly in rendering the players' bodies and the surrounding environment. This generates a sense of chaotic motion, almost mimicking the intensity of the sporting event itself. What do you observe regarding his utilization of color? Editor: Well, there's a high level of contrast. The vibrant blues and oranges certainly make it visually stimulating. I see a strategic application of colour. Curator: Correct. Consider the juxtaposition of these hues. Blue, often associated with stability, is used alongside vibrant orange. It might suggest tension and opposition—the opposing teams. Furthermore, analyze the artist's spatial treatment. Does he adhere to conventional perspective? Editor: Not really, no. It seems as though Neiman prioritizes conveying a feeling of immediacy over accurate representation of depth, by layering and overlapping shapes in the action. It’s very abstract. Curator: Indeed. By disrupting traditional perspectival conventions, Neiman directs our attention to the pure physicality of the painted surface, and in doing so brings forth the formal potential of modern expressionist works. It forces us to look closer at the surface qualities, color contrasts, and brushstrokes and less on depth and form, what do you make of the figures and how the game seems secondary? Editor: I agree, and I realize this piece reveals that abstraction can come from anywhere; in this case, a football game. Thanks for opening my eyes to these features. Curator: My pleasure. Examining the formal elements helps appreciate a whole new perspective.