Boy in Blue Water, 1988

Highly acclaimed for his depictions of American suburbia and the taboo undercurrents that run throughout, Eric Fischl is a painter, draughtsman and sculptor. Fischl’s subject matter is often highly controversial and tackles themes such as adolescent sexuality and voyeurism – Bad Boy and Birthday Boy both portray young boys observing older women appearing in provocative positions upon a bed. Creating in the style of neo-expressionism and often likened to such artists as Degas, Fischl is unafraid of controversy; he has stated: ‘I vowed that I would never let the unspeakable also be unshowable. I would paint what could not be said.’ His 9/11 memorial sculpture, Tumbling Woman was a stark and moving tribute to the victims who jumped from the buildings after the planes hit – this sculpture was met with outrage and removed from its site within a week of its installation, of this, Fischl has said: ‘It’s meant to touch, in a way, to connect you on the inside, so you don’t feel so alone and vulnerable’ - further exemplifying his need to evoke emotion and reflection with his art. (Artist website)