In recent years, figurative painting has experienced a resurgence, but a new direction seems to be emerging within this trend: hyper-sentimentalism. This term, coined by art critic Kate Brown, refers to a wave of contemporary artists who paint highly stylized, intimate depictions of their friends, colleagues, and social scenes. These works often convey a sense of heightened emotional attachment and closeness, coupled with a subtle yet pointed commentary on the art world itself.
At the core of hyper-sentimentalism is a blend of intimacy and self-awareness. Artists are not simply painting their personal connections—they are embedding these relationships into the larger narrative of their professional scenes. Brown suggests that this dual-layered approach is what sets hyper-sentimental art apart. The top layer might depict a sentimental portrait or a quiet domestic moment, but beneath the surface, there’s often a deliberate reference to the artist’s social circle or artistic community, positioning their work as both personal and part of a larger conversation within the art world.
“Hyper-sentimentalism blends personal connection with professional insight, making the art world not just the backdrop, but the subject itself.”
– Kate Brown, art critic.
One key example the renowned artist Elizabeth Payton (picture to the left) has adopted a similar strategy, as seen in her 2023 painting of Lucas Werner, the heir to the influential David Zwerner gallery. The portrait not only captures Werner in a quiet, contemplative moment but subtly signals Payton’s growing ties to the Zwerner family, which has become a significant part of her career. This type of work combines the personal and the political, where the relationships and networks of the artist are embedded in the artwork itself.
Another noteworthy example is the work of Constance Tenvic (picture to the right), whose painting Kenny on the Day When I Exchanged a Mind Map for Plastic Gloves depicts Kenny Schachter, a prominent figure in the art world. Through these paintings, Tenvic explores the intersection of personal relationships and professional dynamics, further underscoring the communal aspect of hyper-sentimental art.She says people tend to describe my work as exaggerated forms. A lot of color, “joie de vivre”, like a joy of living.
Hyper-sentimentalism does not just refer to the subject matter of these paintings but also the way they circulate in the digital age. These works thrive on social media, where their images can quickly spread and garner attention. They are, in a sense, artworks designed to be shared, offering both emotional resonance and insider knowledge to those familiar with the artist’s world. This interplay between personal connections and the public art scene forms the backbone of this emerging style.
In a broader sense, hyper-sentimentalism represents a shift toward a more self-aware, community-oriented form of expression in contemporary art. It reflects the current cultural climate, where connections—both personal and professional—are increasingly integral to the way art is experienced and understood. Through their art, these artists are not just painting friends; they are painting the art world itself, making it a central theme in their work.