The Prey 1956

"The Prey" is a 1956 abstract painting by Hans Hofmann, a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. This painting showcases Hofmann's signature style, characterized by vibrant colors, gestural brushstrokes, and bold forms. The composition is a dynamic interplay of thick black lines, splatter marks, and vibrant hues that seem to dance and collide on a pale pink ground. The bold use of color and the interplay of abstract forms evoke a sense of energy, movement, and even aggression, reflecting Hofmann's fascination with the "push and pull" of forces in both nature and art.