RAUNE0039 Neo Rauch

The composition presents a surreal and unsettling scene dominated by a sickly green hue that permeates both the water surface and the attire of the figures within it. Here we see three men, uniformly clad in long, dark-green overcoats and matching hats, engaged in what appears to be an ice hockey game. However, their actions are rendered bizarre and disquieting through the unnatural setting and distorted perspective.
The ground is not solid earth but a viscous, green liquid that reflects the figures and surrounding structures with unsettling clarity. Several large blocks of ice float on this surface, each containing what appears to be a human face frozen within. These encased faces are contorted in expressions of distress or resignation, adding a layer of horror to the already strange tableau. A fleshy, worm-like form emerges from one of these icy prisons, further amplifying the sense of decay and unnaturalness.
In the background, stark, angular buildings rise against an orange-tinged sky. These structures are devoid of any discernible architectural style, appearing almost alien in their design. Above them hangs a large, rectangular sign displaying what resembles a stylized rune or ancient symbol rendered in green against a darker background. This element introduces a potential layer of symbolic meaning, hinting at themes of tradition, power, and perhaps even esoteric belief systems.
The artist’s use of color is particularly noteworthy. The pervasive green evokes feelings of sickness, stagnation, and artificiality. It clashes with the orange sky, creating a visual tension that contributes to the overall sense of unease. The figures themselves are rendered in a somewhat flat, stylized manner, lacking individual personality or emotional depth. This reinforces their role as symbolic representations rather than individualized characters.
Subtexts within this work seem to explore themes of conformity, control, and the suppression of individuality. The uniform attire of the men suggests a rigid social structure where personal expression is discouraged. The frozen faces trapped in ice could represent silenced voices or lost identities. The rune-like symbol hints at an underlying ideology that dictates the actions and fates of those within this strange world. Ultimately, the painting presents a disturbing vision of a society built on unnatural foundations, where humanity has been reduced to mere components within a larger, incomprehensible system.