1954 1954

Karel Appel created this painting in 1954 using vibrant colors and bold strokes of oil paint. At first glance, one is confronted by several expressive faces, distorted and raw, yet undeniably human. These faces, with their exaggerated features, remind us of ancient masks used in rituals to invoke powerful emotions. They echo the grotesque visages found in medieval gargoyles, intended to ward off evil spirits. Notice the open mouths, a motif that appears throughout art history—from Edvard Munch's "The Scream," reflecting deep existential angst, to the gaping maws of mythical beasts, embodying primal fears. Appel's use of such a primal symbol taps into our collective unconscious. It triggers an immediate, visceral reaction, engaging us on a level that transcends rational thought. This reflects our enduring fascination with our inner demons. The emotional intensity, etched onto these painted faces, highlights art’s cyclical power, as the raw expression of humanity resurfaces through time.