Expressionism
Introduction
Expressionism
is an umbrella term that refers to international movements in art,
architecture, literature, music, dance and theater that flourished
between c. 1905 and c. 1920, especially in Germany.
It is also a broad term used to describe works that are inspired by
an artist’s personal inner vision and contain a strong emotional
component. In the early 20th century, however, profound unrest and
disillusionment with the forces of modernization characterized much
of the ideology of artists involved with Expressionism. Some of the
primary Expressionist groupings include Die Brücke and
Der Blaue Reiter. Die Brücke group was headed by
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner who wanted to create a better world by
bridging the traditions of the past with what he viewed as an
alienating modern society. Der Blaue Reiter, led by Franz
Marc and Vassily Kandinsky, wanted to create the blueprints for an
enlightened and liberated society which emphasized spirituality as
opposed to cold industrialization. Stylistically, Expressionism
challenged both 19th century academic traditions and Impressionism
in its rejection of portraying the outer visible world. Instead,
Expressionist artists sought to communicate the universal condition
of humanity’s inner spiritual being. They wanted to encapsulate
their feelings and emotions through line, form and color while also
eliciting visceral reactions from their viewers. To do so, many
artists were inspired by what they saw as the raw energy of
Primitivism. Through assertive, strong and often violently
distorted forms, colors and brushstrokes, Expressionist artists
portrayed the angst of the modern world. These vibrant and
emotionally charged works still speak to the contemporary viewer
about the challenges of expressing one’s individuality in the face
of an impersonal and alienating modernity.
