Schnabel Julian

Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1951, Julian Schnabel has emerged as one of the most influential and multifaceted artists of our time. Renowned for his groundbreaking approach that transcends the boundaries of traditional painting, Schnabel’s work spans painting, sculpture, film, architecture, and furniture, making him a true polymath in the contemporary art world.

While Schnabel is celebrated as an award-winning film director, his primary legacy lies in his innovative contributions to painting. In the late 1970s, he played a crucial role in the resurgence of painting in the United States and internationally. His pioneering use of unconventional materials and varied surfaces transformed the art landscape, challenging established norms and inspiring future generations.

In 1978, Schnabel began creating his iconic Plate Paintings. These works are characterized by their textured, sculptural surfaces, achieved by layering shards of broken dishes with materials like auto body putty, dental plaster, and oil paint on wooden structures. This experimental technique not only redefined the visual and tactile experience of painting but also blurred the lines between abstraction and figuration.

Schnabel’s unorthodox use of objet trouvé and chance-based processes has continued to push the boundaries of artistic expression. His large-scale, shaped paintings challenge and redefine the conventional understanding of form and gesture, rendering the age-old battle between abstraction and figuration obsolete.

Through his visionary practice, Julian Schnabel has not only transformed painting but also paved the way for new generations of artists, encouraging them to explore and innovate without constraint. His work remains a testament to the enduring power and potential of art to transcend and redefine creative boundaries.