What was the essence of expressionism?

Answer 1

'essense of expressionism' - interesting question. In terms of the definition of expressionism, that's easily found in any online dictionary or wikidepia. But the essense? There are two important things to consider.

The first would be the more sociopolitical influences of the early 20th century that helped to create an atmosphere in which artists, musician and writers felt comfortable to 'express'. Many art forms are about depiction, realism, conceptualism (or the potrayal of ideas though metaphorical / symbolic relationships with the viewer). Expressionism, as many could argue, was born out of the chaos that engulfed much of the globe during the first World War, and even prior to that, the upheavals of monarchies due to revolutions throughout Europe. Old traditional structures were torn apart, and democratic/socialist/marxist thinking gave far more power to citizens as opposed to lineages. You can see in the great inventiveness and exploration in arts particularly in Germany and Russia that a new age had come about and artists felt a new-found freedom to express from a inner source that didn't follow the traditional rules of expression. At the same time, this newly felt freedom came with the heavy price of totalitarian governments, and expressionism began to evolve into political expression as well, particularly in the work of German artist Kathe Kolwitz.

On a more psychological level, expressionism is an opening of the senses to different kind of artistic 'realism' - art did not have to be a stylized depiction of what existed in the natural world - it could be inspired by the nautral world, but come into existance through the emotions of the artist.

Expressionism still exists, but it has derided in some ways by the advent of post modernism, which (simply) has questioned the whole nature of art and perception. When Marcel DuChamp placed his famous urinal on a gallery wall, he questioned the entire notion of what art is, and what it can be. This relegated the expressionists to seem weak and idealistic. One can say that idealism has been an important part of expressionism, but it is not wholly correct. Expressionism's essence is based on the belief that transformation of the world through an artist's mind and hands creates a new point of view that reaches a closer part of our mind's cognition - we are not given symbols or metaphors or dissected objects, rather we are given personal views of the world filtered though the consciousness of the soul.

Answer 2

Expressionism is the tendency of an artist to distort reality for an emotional effect; it is a subjective art form. Expressionism is exhibited in many art forms, including painting, literature, film, architecture and music. Additionally, the term often implies emotional angst – the number of cheerful expressionist works is relatively small.

In this general sense, painters such as Matthias Grünewald and El Greco can be called expressionist, though in practice, the term is applied mainly to 20th century works.

Answer 3

Expressionism is merely a word that is not from the literature, but the ego side of individual humans. Many ignorants say that it s a physchological problem, but rubish. Every individual has the right to express himself and his opinion, but behind it is ego only, as if one himself is greater (than average) to others. This is more common in group activities only. But while sitting in the private room also, almost all has the problem of express himself and imaginating - as if - how to be when so and so .. ... Hence, there is no essence for it, but a hidden feeling to be great among the people, that has not yet been successful.

Answer 4

Centered in Germany, C.1905 to 1940's, Expressionism is a style of art in which the intention is not to reproduce a subject accurately, but instead to portray it in such a way as to express the inner state of the artist. The movement is associated with Germany in particular, and was influenced by such emotionally-charged styles as Symbolism, Fauvism, and Cubism.

Answer 5

The ability to tell some one to "Go to Hell", in such a way, that they actually look forward to the trip.

Answer 6

freedom thru defined laws of tradional painting