Expressionism emerged in Germany in the early 20th century as a reaction against Impressionism and Realism. Its artists deliberately distorted reality to express subjective emotional states, existential anxiety and criticism of industrial society. They used strident colors, distorted forms and unbalanced compositions to convey their inner vision of the world. The movement profoundly influenced cinema, literature and all the arts of the 20th century.
Main characteristics
- ●Deliberate distortion of shapes and proportions
- ●Intense contrasting colors
- ●Expression of subjective emotional states
- ●Social and industrial criticism
- ●Influence of Freudian psychoanalysis
Key works
- The Scream – Munch
- The Street – Kirchner
- Death and the Maiden – Schiele