Few styles in modern art were as influential as Expressionism—and its power lies in the fact that Expressionist artists didn’t just want to show something; they wanted you to feel it. This ushered in an entirely new understanding of what art and visual composition could be. Realistic depictions gave way to moods, emotions, and subjective perception, turning the canvas into a stage for the soul.
The Origins of Expressionism
At the start of the 20th century, during a time of rapid change, Expressionism emerged as a movement that gave voice to the deep emotions stirred by societal tensions. Technological progress, growing urbanization, and the looming threat of war shaped the era. Artists felt that existing styles like Impressionism could no longer capture this shift, so they searched for new ways to express what people were truly feeling.
The Emotions of Expressionism
For many German Expressionists, the world felt unhinged. In reaction to the perceived decadence of the bourgeois class, a young generation of artists sought inspiration from thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche. This politicization of art meant Expressionism was often recognizable not just by its style, but by its attitude—a mindset as much as an aesthetic.
Key Characteristics of Expressionism
Despite the varied techniques of Expressionist painters, one unifying feature was the move away from naturalistic representation. This trend had already begun with Impressionism and was pushed further by Expressionism.
Instead of fine detail and harmonious composition, Expressionist works favored bold colors, simplified forms, and emotional intensity. Subjects were often distorted or abstracted—cows might be yellow, faces blue, and perspectives intentionally skewed. External reality no longer mattered as much as inner experience.
Yet, even while breaking from naturalism, Expressionists largely remained figurative. Cityscapes, animals, and landscapes were still central themes. A landscape painting was no longer meant to simply show a beautiful valley—it was there to express solitude, anger, or longing. Techniques were shaped by emotion, and anything that could convey feeling was fair game.
Influences and Inspirations
The idea of capturing emotion through painting wasn’t entirely new. Though Expressionism reimagined many artistic norms, it also built on earlier developments. Artists like Van Gogh, Munch, and Gauguin had already experimented with expressive use of color. Many Expressionists also looked to non-European and historical art for inspiration.
Masks and sculptures from Africa, with their reduced forms and powerful presence, became influential. Groundbreaking Renaissance woodcuts—especially those by Albrecht Dürer—also served as models for their clarity and stylized expression.
Expressionist Groups and Key Figures
Two groups shaped German Expressionism in particular: Die Brücke (The Bridge), led by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider). Both were united by a desire to break free from traditional forms of expression. As founding member Erich Heckel put it, “We knew what we had to leave behind—where we would end up was less certain.”
Die Brücke was a close-knit collective, while Der Blaue Reiter, centered around Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, was more of a publishing and curatorial group. Their aim was to publish theoretical writings and curate exhibitions. Alongside their own works, they showcased artists like Gabriele Münter, August Macke, and even some from Die Brücke in their influential Der Blaue Reiter Almanac.
The Decline of Expressionism
Calling the 1914 Tunisia trip by Paul Klee, August Macke, and Louis Moilliet the “end” of Expressionism might be a stretch—but it was certainly a pivotal moment. The journey marked a shift for all three artists toward more abstract and surreal forms of visual expression.
The movement also suffered a heavy blow with the death of August Macke, who was killed in World War I just months later. Under the Nazi regime, Expressionist works were labeled “degenerate art,” leading to the persecution, exile, or silencing of many artists.
Expressionism Today
What was once dismissed as provocative, incomprehensible, or even “degenerate” is now a respected and celebrated part of art history. After World War II, Expressionism was gradually rehabilitated, and many of its persecuted artists came to be seen as spiritual resisters. Today, Expressionist works are among the most sought-after at international auctions and regularly fetch record prices.
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