Julian Schnabel's "Goat Paintings" series, initiated in 2012, stands as a testament to his innovative approach towards art, merging his fascination with materiality and history with a deeply personal narrative. The series, like much of Schnabel's work, transcends conventional boundaries of painting, incorporating unconventional materials and large-scale compositions to explore complex themes of memory, identity, and history.
One of the notable works in this series is "The Sky of Illimitableness I" (2012), an inkjet print and ink on polyester, measuring 130 x 142 inches. This piece, like others in the series, showcases Schnabel's signature style of mixing media and scale to evoke a sense of the monumental, both in physical presence and thematic depth (Julian Schnabel).
The "Goat Paintings" were part of Schnabel's broader exploration of symbolism and material experimentation, evident in his solo exhibition "Julian Schnabel: Symbols of Actual Life" at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco in 2018. This exhibition highlighted Schnabel's enduring interest in pushing the limits of painting through the incorporation of varied textures and materials, from Mexican sack linen to digital reproductions, and including motifs like stuffed goats and historical wallpapers. These elements together create a visual and thematic richness, bridging the past with the present in Schnabel's unique visual language (FAMSF).
Schnabel's journey with these themes can be traced back to his diverse experiences and travels, from his time in Morocco to his exploration of different artistic mediums and subjects. His work reflects a continuous dialogue with history, personal experiences, and the material world, culminating in pieces that challenge and redefine the parameters of painting (Julian Schnabel).
In essence, Julian Schnabel's "Goat Paintings" are a vivid embodiment of his artistic philosophy, weaving together disparate threads of influence and inspiration into a cohesive narrative that speaks to the enduring power of imagery and material in art. Through these works, Schnabel invites viewers into a contemplative space where history, personal narrative, and material innovation intersect, offering a rich, multifaceted experience that defies easy categorization.