“Actresses,” created by Joseph Beuys in 1958, is a work executed in pencil and watercolor on paper, falling within the Neo-Dada art movement. Measuring 20.7 x 29 cm, this piece represents the genre of nude painting (nu) and is housed in the Tate Modern in London, UK.
The artwork presents a minimalist depiction of several nude female figures rendered in subtle pencil outlines, with some areas accentuated by a wash of brown watercolor. The composition explores the physical form and postures of the figures, creating a sense of fluidity and movement. The deliberate application of negative space and the delicate, almost ephemeral lines contribute to the ethereal quality of the scene. This choice of medium and technique effectively conveys the artist’s exploration of human form and artistic expression within the context of Neo-Dadaism.
