Eric Fishl, a classic New York legend who befriended Any Warhol, created a series of works exploring human interaction and sexuality. The controversial aspects and eroticism of his works bestowed him the labels provocative and sensual, and boy, did he own it. Fischl grew up with an alcoholic mother who suffered from depression, which influenced his works. His niche was depicting suburban America using unorthodox perspectives to create scenes of excitement or wonder. The typically R-Rated artist was most notable for his work Bad Boy, giving him the title "the bad boy of Neo-Expressionists."

Fishl's Barbecue shows an upscale backyard cookout. Two topless women converse in the pool while a seemingly young boy tries to impress with blowing fire as a party trick. A older man creepily smirks while spectating. Fishl uses aggressive brush strokes to create a unique texture. The painting feels energetic and vibrant. The slanted table offsets the entire painting creating a different perspective and an imbalance. The work does not seem crowded and as abstract as works by other artists during this period. Originally I thought the bowl of fish ironically placed in front of a pool symbolized something greater, something deeper. But then I realized this was drugged up 1980's New York, maybe he just wanted a damn bowl of fish right in the middle of his painting.