“Head II” is a figurative artwork created in 1951 by the artist Graham Sutherland, who was known for his work in the Expressionism and Surrealism movements. The painting, belonging to these movements, embodies the intense emotions and dream-like qualities typical of these styles.
The artwork depicts a distorted and elongated human-like figure against a vivid orange background. The head appears skeletal, almost mask-like, with exaggerated and abstracted features that challenge conventional representation. The figure is uniquely detailed with twists and disjointed shapes that evoke a sense of discomfort and introspection. Adding to the surreal nature of the piece, a swirling mass of purple and green forms hovers above and around the head, contrasting starkly with the otherwise stark figure. The vivid colors and the abstract, almost grotesque, human form evoke a powerful emotional response, typical of Sutherland’s exploration of the human condition through expressionistic and surrealist lenses.
