The artwork titled “Black Self Portrait,” crafted by Odd Nerdrum, belongs to the Neo-baroque art movement and falls within the genre of self-portraiture.
The artwork features a striking, intimate representation of the artist himself, set against a dark, scarcely delineated background that effectively directs the viewer’s attention to the expressive visage. The artist’s face is prominently illuminated, with an aura of chiaroscuro that deepens the shadows and accentuates the dramatic contrasts of light and dark, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the Neo-baroque movement. The subject’s eyes are closed, and mouth slightly open, suggesting an intriguing mixture of introspection, vulnerability, and emotional intensity. The meticulous detailing of the facial features and the textural richness of the skin highlights Odd Nerdrum’s technical prowess and his deep exploration of human expression and self-identity within this somber, evocative portrait.
