A Guide To Expressionism: 10 Things To Know

1. Introduction to Expressionism

Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century in Germany. It sought to express the artist’s emotions and subjective experiences rather than capturing objective reality in their artwork. This movement was a response to the industrialization, urbanization, and social changes happening during that period. Expressionist artists aimed to depict the anxieties, fears, and inner turmoil of the human psyche in a distorted and emotionally charged manner. Through their bold use of color, dramatic brushwork, and unconventional compositions, Expressionists created artwork that was meant to evoke powerful emotions and provoke deep introspection.

2. Key Characteristics of Expressionism

Expressionism is characterized by several key features that set it apart from other art movements. Firstly, artists often distorted and exaggerated forms to evoke strong emotional responses from viewers. This distortion aimed to reflect the inner emotional turmoil of the artist rather than depicting the external reality accurately. Secondly, Expressionists employed bold and vibrant colors to intensify the emotional impact of their works. They focused on using colors to create a specific mood or atmosphere rather than adhering to naturalistic color palettes. Lastly, Expressionists often used bold and energetic brushwork, creating dynamic and textural surfaces that enhanced the emotional intensity of the artwork.

3. Origins of Expressionism

Expressionism found its roots in various artistic movements such as Fauvism, Post-Impressionism, and Symbolism. Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch heavily influenced the development of Expressionism with their emotionally charged artworks. However, it was through the formation of the group “Die Brücke” (The Bridge) in Dresden in 1905 that Expressionism truly gained momentum. Led by artists Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, the group sought to create a new artistic language that rebelled against the academic traditions and spoke to the anxieties of a changing society.

4. Famous Expressionist Artists

Expressionism attracted a number of talented artists who made significant contributions to the movement. Some of the most prominent Expressionist painters include Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Wassily Kandinsky, Emil Nolde, Egon Schiele, and Franz Marc. These artists experimented with various mediums and techniques to convey their subjective experiences and explore the human condition. Each artist had their unique style and approach, but they all shared a common goal of expressing inner emotions and challenging conventional artistic norms.

5. Expressionism in Painting

Painting was the primary medium through which Expressionist artists expressed themselves. Their works often depicted scenes filled with anxiety, alienation, and the psychological struggles of human existence. Expressionists rejected realism in favor of conveying their inner realities, resulting in distorted figures, vibrant colors, and dynamic brushstrokes. Their aim was to create an emotional connection with the viewer, pulling them into their own subjective experience of the world. Through painting, Expressionists sought to expose the raw and often uncomfortable aspects of human nature.

6. Expressionism in Architecture

Expressionism also influenced the field of architecture, albeit on a smaller scale compared to its impact in painting. In architecture, Expressionism manifested through the use of unconventional and asymmetrical forms, expressive and dynamic use of materials, and a departure from traditional designs. Notable examples of Expressionist architecture can be found in buildings like Erich Mendelsohn’s Einstein Tower in Potsdam, Germany, and Bruno Taut’s Glass Pavilion in Cologne, Germany. These architectural works aimed to evoke emotions through their unconventional and avant-garde designs, challenging the rigid conventions of the time.

7. Expressionism in Literature

Expressionism extended beyond the visual arts and also had a significant impact on literature. Expressionist writers sought to convey the intense emotions and anxieties of the human condition through their works. They used fragmented language, disjointed narratives, and unconventional structures to depict the inner turmoil of their characters. Notable Expressionist literary works include Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” Georg Heym’s poetry collection “Umbra Vitae,” and Alfred Döblin’s novel “Berlin Alexanderplatz.” These writers delved into the darkest corners of the human psyche, creating a new form of literature that mirrored the subjective experience of the era.

8. Legacy and Influence of Expressionism

Expressionism left a lasting impact on the world of art and continues to influence artists to this day. Its emphasis on subjective experience, emotional intensity, and nonconformity to traditional standards paved the way for subsequent art movements, such as abstract expressionism and neo-expressionism. Expressionism’s ability to evoke powerful emotions has also influenced the realm of film, with directors like F.W. Murnau and Fritz Lang incorporating Expressionist elements into their cinematography. Today, many museums around the world host exhibitions dedicated to Expressionist art, showcasing its enduring significance in the art sphere.

9. Must-See Expressionist Artworks

To fully appreciate Expressionism, it is highly recommended to experience some of its iconic artworks firsthand. Some must-see Expressionist paintings include Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s “Street, Berlin,” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Composition VII.” These artworks capture the essence of Expressionism and allow viewers to immerse themselves in the emotional intensity conveyed by these remarkable artists.

10. Resources for Further Exploration

If you want to delve deeper into Expressionism, here are some useful resources:

1. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Expressionism Collection: Link to MoMA
2. The Expressionist Movement – Tate Modern: Link to Tate Modern
3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Link to MET
4. The Expressionist Era – National Gallery of Art: Link to NGA
5. “German Expressionism: The Graphic Impulse” – Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Link to LACMA
6. Books: “Expressionism” by Denys Sutton, “German Expressionist Painting” by Peter Selz, and “Expressionism” by Wolf-Dieter Dube.

By exploring these resources, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Expressionism, its impact, and its relevance in shaping the art world across different mediums.

Remember to immerse yourself in the evocative world of Expressionism and let the emotions unleashed by the artists resonate within you.