Dana Schutz

Dana Schutz, born in 1976 in Livonia, is an artist based in Brooklyn, New York. She first garnered public attention in 2002 at LFL Gallery in New York, where her vibrant works captivated audiences with their intensity and dynamic use of color. Schutz’s paintings are characterized by bold, energetic brushstrokes that rarely feel random or flat.

Her artwork inhabits a fantastical universe populated by self-cannibalizing beings, men living in post-apocalyptic scenarios, domestic solitude, and acts of violence played out in idyllic settings. Schutz expresses a desire to create paintings that “float in and out of genres,” where still lifes become personified, portraits take on life, and landscapes transform into architectural spaces. This unique approach results in a fragmented, often surreal world where the focus is on ceremoniously crafted scenes that can appear nonsensical yet deeply resonant.

One of her notable works, Reclining Nude (2002), features a character named Frank, depicted as the last subject remaining on a deserted island. In her own words, “the man is the last subject and the last to speak, and since he cannot paint, I am the last painter.” This interplay between the subject and the artist reveals Schutz’s playful yet introspective nature, as she carves out a space for herself within her paintings.

Whether portraying a sunbathing nude or tangled foxes, Schutz’s canvases are original and compelling, showcasing her audacious style. Her technique evokes a sculptural quality, as if she molds the paint like clay, resulting in works that challenge the viewer’s perceptions and evoke a visceral response. Through her explorations of identity, existence, and the human condition, Schutz continues to push the boundaries of contemporary painting, creating a unique visual language that resonates deeply with audiences.