ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Eric Fischl: Neo-Expressionism and the American Psyche

artist · 2026-09-07

Born in 1948 in New York, Eric Fischl is a prominent figure in neo-expressionism, recognized for his thought-provoking artwork that delves into the complexities of suburban American life. He is linked to the 'Bad Painting' movement, often portraying scenes of looming disaster. After earning his degree from the California Institute of the Arts in 1972, Fischl served as a guard at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and later taught at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. His debut solo show took place at the Edward Thorp Gallery in 1979, showcasing the renowned piece 'Sleepwalker'. Fischl rose to prominence in the late 1980s with a notable exhibition at the Whitney Museum and established 'America: Now and Here' in 2011. He resides in Sag Harbor, New York, with his spouse April Gornik.

Key facts

  • Eric Fischl was born in New York in 1948.
  • He is associated with the 'Bad Painting' movement and neo-expressionism.
  • His painting 'Sleepwalker' (1979) is iconic.
  • He had a solo exhibition at Edward Thorp Gallery in 1979.
  • The Whitney Museum exhibited 28 of his paintings in the late 1980s.
  • He founded 'America: Now and Here' in 2011.
  • He published his autobiography 'Bad Boy' in 2013.
  • He lives in Sag Harbor, New York.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • New York
  • Long Island
  • Phoenix
  • Arizona
  • San Francisco
  • Pennsylvania
  • Halifax
  • Sag Harbor
  • Hamptons

Sources