An abstract oil painting by Gérard Schneider, a Swiss-French artist associated with Tachisme. This untitled work features bold strokes of blue and red, exemplifying the spontaneous and gestural style of abstract expressionism.

This untitled work by Swiss-French artist Gérard Schneider (1896-1986) is an example of Tachisme, a style of abstract expressionism that emerged in France during the 1940s and 1950s. Tachisme, derived from the French word 'tache' meaning stain or blot, is characterised by spontaneous, gestural brushstrokes and the use of colour as a primary means of expression. Schneider was a significant figure in the movement, known for his dynamic compositions and bold use of colour. The painting features broad, sweeping strokes of blue and red paint against a background of vertical grey and white striations. The application of paint is energetic and immediate, with visible drips and splatters that contribute to the work's sense of movement. A smaller black shape adds contrast. The absence of defined forms or representational imagery encourages viewers to engage with the artwork on a purely emotional and sensory level. Schneider's work reflects the post-war desire to break free from traditional artistic conventions and explore the expressive potential of abstraction.