Expressionism

Definition

Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by the use of bold colors, distorted forms, and exaggerated emotional expressions to convey the artist's subjective experience. It often focuses on conveying intense feelings and experiences rather than depicting the external world realistically. This movement was particularly targeted by the Nazi regime, which deemed it 'degenerate' for its departure from traditional aesthetics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expressionism arose as a reaction against the industrialization and urbanization of society, aiming to express the emotional experience of life rather than physical reality.
2. Many expressionist artists, such as Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele, utilized distortion and vivid colors to portray deep emotional states and social criticism.
3. The Nazi regime organized the 'Entartete Kunst' exhibition in 1937, which showcased expressionist works as examples of moral decay and cultural degeneracy.
4. Nazi propaganda painted expressionism as a product of Jewish influence, further fueling its association with societal corruption in the eyes of the regime.
5. Despite its condemnation, expressionism laid the groundwork for various modern art movements that followed, influencing artists globally throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did expressionism challenge traditional artistic norms during its emergence in the early 20th century?
  • Expressionism challenged traditional artistic norms by prioritizing emotional experience over realistic representation. Artists used bold colors, distorted forms, and exaggerated expressions to convey their subjective feelings about society and existence. This departure from realism was seen as revolutionary and allowed artists to address complex themes such as anxiety, alienation, and existential dread in a way that traditional art forms could not.
• In what ways did the Nazi regime utilize the concept of 'degenerate art' to suppress expressionism and similar movements?
  • The Nazi regime utilized the concept of 'degenerate art' to suppress expressionism by labeling it as a threat to German cultural values. They organized exhibitions that ridiculed these artworks and promoted propaganda to depict them as products of moral decay. This strategy not only discredited expressionist artists but also aimed to unify public opinion against modernist movements, reinforcing traditional German nationalism while eliminating perceived foreign influences.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of expressionism on contemporary art in light of its persecution during the Nazi era.
  • Despite its persecution during the Nazi era, expressionism has had a lasting impact on contemporary art. The movement's emphasis on emotion and individual experience inspired later artists across various styles, including abstract expressionism and postmodernism. The struggles faced by expressionist artists highlighted the importance of artistic freedom and self-expression, prompting ongoing discussions about censorship in art. The legacy of expressionism continues to resonate today as artists explore personal and social issues through their work, reaffirming the movement's significance in shaping modern artistic practices.

Related terms

Degenerate Art:

A term used by the Nazi regime to describe modern art movements, including expressionism, that were considered corrupt or unnatural, leading to public exhibitions that ridiculed these works.

Fauvism: An early 20th-century art movement that emphasized painterly qualities and strong color over the representational or realistic values retained by Impressionism.

Avant-garde: Innovative and experimental artistic movements that challenge established conventions and seek to push the boundaries of art and culture.