Barbecue 1982

"Barbecue" (1982) by Eric Fischl, is a painting that captures the seemingly idyllic setting of a suburban backyard barbecue. The scene depicts a man grilling while another man, standing in a pool, holds a lit bottle of lighter fluid, creating a surreal, almost dangerous element to the otherwise ordinary scene. The painting is known for its focus on the American middle class and its exploration of the tensions and anxieties that exist beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. The use of bright colors and a photorealistic style further enhances the sense of both beauty and unease in Fischl's work.