Expressionism

Expressionism Art

Expressionism strikes hard at the viewer with unlimited emotion that is one with the artist. While impressionism focus on the impression from an object, expressionism art is more self-serving. The artist is not afraid to share the tranquil, joyous, sorrowful or hostile passion of his/her very soul. Distortion is a common trait of expressionist art that makes one feel and react more than to merely view and enjoy a piece.

Although not brought to the forefront as a type of art until the 20th century, there were painters that took liberties against strict classifications of art as early as the 15th century. Matthias Grunewald was a German Renaissance painter that bordered on expressionism art but not discovered as significant until the late 19th century. If censorship of expression had not been so dominant during this period of the Peasants’ War, perhaps the movement would have begun sooner. While not totally expressionism in his sections of painted wood, you can see that Grunewald sent a message of slicing through the normal mindset of art appreciation.

Invention of the term Expressionism

By 1910, there was no denying that expressionism art was going to make a break through with artists no longer able to silence feelings of tragedy and chaos surrounding Germany. Antonin Matejcek, Czech art historian, is credited with inventing the term ‘expressionism’. He described the phrase as work that rids one of immediate perception and further travel through the mental channels and soul to a clearer essence. Anger, sadness and fear that were locked in the hearts of many artists started to spew out through their work. Expressionism art challenged the academic traditions of artistic groups in Germany and quickly spread to other parts of Europe.

Expressionism art is not limited to landscapes, portraits or certain objects in its desire to present intense emotion. The individual preference of an artist is the only determining factor in what source of model is chosen. Egon Schiele was known for twisted body shapes and features to emphasize his own disturbing existence while Franz Marc used nature and animals to fulfill his zeal for visualizing impending changes in society with bright colors and simplicity. The use of any substantial shape or form can be exaggerated, fantasized or presented in a primitive fashion that undulates the nature of a typical conservative painting.

The expressionism art of today ranges from promiscuous to whimsical, fearful to joyous as artists worldwide find solace in expressing emotion. Although the Expressionism period was dated from 1905 to 1925, this movement is far from over. Evolving art styles were created from the personal and spontaneous self-expressions of the artists that refused to be silenced in an effort to make their feeling be known and to share with the world. Through the vivid and dynamic application of brushstrokes, fervor of color and disjointed space, the public is able to share emotion and meaning of society’s ambitions, dreams and failures through the eyes of expressionism artists.