Expressionism

Expressionism began in the early 20th century, primarily in Germany, as an avant-garde movement amidst the anxiety and disillusionment following World War I. It was a reaction against the dehumanising effect of industrialization and the urbanisation of the modern world. Artists like Edvard Munch, whose work predates the movement but embodies its spirit, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner of the Die Brücke group, were instrumental in defining Expressionism's visual language.

The movement was characterised by its focus on the representation of emotional experience rather than physical reality. Expressionist artists used vivid colours, exaggerated forms, and distorted lines to convey their subjective emotions and responses to the world around them. This approach was a departure from the realistic styles of the time, emphasising personal expression and individuality.

The formation of artist groups like Die Brücke in 1905 and Der Blaue Reiter in 1911 were pivotal in the development and spread of Expressionism. These groups provided platforms for artists to explore new forms of artistic expression and to share their ideas with wider audiences.

Expressionism had a significant impact on various art forms, including painting, literature, theatre, and later, cinema. Its emphasis on personal, subjective experience paved the way for later movements such as Abstract Expressionism and greatly influenced the modern understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions of art.

Expressionism was less concerned with replicating reality and more focused on conveying the emotional and psychological states of the artist. It emerged as a reaction to the anxieties and disillusionments of the modern world, particularly in the aftermath of industrialisation and the sociopolitical turmoil of the time.

The expressionists sought to express subjective experiences, often laden with emotional intensity and introspection, through their art. This approach stood in stark contrast to the prevailing trends of naturalism and impressionism, as artists like Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele delved into the exploration of inner turmoil, existential angst, and the human condition.

Munch's iconic painting The Scream epitomises the core of Expressionism. The artwork, with its vivid, swirling colours and the agonised figure against a blood-red sky, conveys an unavoidable sense of anxiety and existential dread. It transcends its visual representation, portraying a raw, emotional response to the anxieties of the modern world.

Some of the most famous Minimalism artists include Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Beckmann, and Edvard Munch.

While he is often associated with his acclaimed The Scream, Munch's contributions to Expressionism encompass a much broader spectrum. Other paintings, such as The Sick Child and The Dance of Life, continued to mirror our shared experiences in his emotionally expressive compositions. Munch's unique ability to capture the raw essence of human emotions, often laden with themes of love, anxiety, and death, redefined the parameters of Expressionism. This approach not only brought a deeper, more introspective dimension to the movement but also cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure who influenced the course of modern art.

The colours used in Expressionism are typically used non-realistically and are exaggerated or intensified to reflect the artist's inner feelings or the emotional tone of the subject, rather than to accurately depict the natural world.

In terms of technique, Expressionist artists often employed bold, gestural brushstrokes, highlighting the artist's personal, spontaneous expression onto their canvas. This approach contrasts sharply with the detailed, precise brushwork of earlier styles like Realism or Impressionism.

Expressionism also frequently explored themes of alienation, anxiety, and the human psyche. The artists examined and reproduced these themes through distorted, exaggerated forms and figures, which often appear agitated or contorted, further enhancing the emotional intensity of the work.

The ethos of Expressionism continues to resonate in contemporary art. Modern artists draw on the legacy of pioneers like Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele, using bold colours and expressive forms to delve into the complexities of the human condition. This modern interpretation of Expressionism often intersects with technology and digital media, allowing for new, innovative ways to express the intense subjectivity that the movement is known for.

Tracey Emin, in her candid, autobiographical works, personifies modern Expressionism, reinterpreting its core principles within a contemporary framework. Emin's admiration for Munch culminated in the 2021 exhibition. The Loneliness of the Soul, where her works were displayed alongside Munch's. This exhibition not only highlighted the continuity of Expressionist themes but also underscored how the movement continues to evolve and resonate in the modern landscape, bridging past and present through shared connections and experiences.