Expressionism

Expressionism emerged in the early 20th century as a significant modernist movement, primarily in Germany, characterized by its focus on representing emotional experience rather than physical reality. This movement is distinguished by its use of vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and dynamic compositions to convey subjective emotions and responses to the world. Key themes include alienation, anxiety, and the human condition, often reflecting the socio-political upheavals of the time. Expressionism found expression across various media, including painting, literature, theatre, and film, with notable figures such as Edvard Munch, Wassily Kandinsky, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Its influence is profound, contributing to the development of subsequent movements such as Abstract Expressionism and impacting diverse artistic disciplines by prioritizing emotional depth and individual perspective over representational accuracy.