- by Karel Appel

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acrylic-paint

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abstract-expressionism

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cobra

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graffiti art

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pop art

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acrylic-paint

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figuration

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acrylic on canvas

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expressionism

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portrait art

Copyright: Karel Appel,Fair Use

Here we see an oil painting by Karel Appel, alive with vivid colors and bold forms. The most striking feature is the recurring motif of the eye—large, staring, and intensely blue. Since ancient times, the eye has been a potent symbol, regarded as a window into the soul but also as a symbol of surveillance, omnipotence, and divine judgment. Think of the Eye of Providence in Renaissance art, or ancient Egyptian art. Appel's eyes seem to hover between these interpretations, reflecting a modern sensibility marked by existential anxiety. Look closer and notice how the disembodied eye evokes primal fears and subconscious memories; a cyclopean figure that triggers the collective unconscious. The arrangement and vibrant color palette add to the emotion, creating an image that feels both unsettling and deeply engaging. This painting is a testament to how ancient symbols resurface and evolve, reflecting our deepest fears.

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