Expressionism is an artistic style that emerged in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, characterized by intense emotional expression and a rejection of traditional artistic conventions.
The precursor to Expressionism was the Jugendstil (youth style), also known as Art Nouveau, a decorative art movement that flourished in Germany and Austria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
German Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century, during a tumultuous period in German history marked by rapid social, economic, and political change.
Expressionism was met with mixed reactions when it first emerged. Some critics dismissed it as crude and unsophisticated, while others praised its boldness and vitality.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880 – 1938) was a German Expressionist painter and printmaker, known for his vivid, colorful works that captured the energy and intensity of modern life.
His work was characterized by its intense emotional expression, use of vivid colors and bold brushwork, and focus on the psychological and emotional states of his subjects.
Kandinsky’s early works were representational, but in the early 20th century, he turned towards abstraction, developing his own unique style that would come to define the movement.
Expressionist art often features exaggerated or intense emotions, such as fear, anger, and passion. This can be conveyed through facial expressions, body language, and symbolic imagery.
Expressionist art often uses symbolic imagery to convey abstract ideas and emotions. These symbols may be personal or cultural and can include religious imagery, dream symbolism, and other abstract motifs.