German Expressionism (Reflection of lesson)

German expressionism was a cultural art movement that began around 1910 to 1940, the movement originally consisted of literature and art that viewed experiences in a subjective view.  The purpose of this was to emphasise an emotional response from the user and to highlight different moods in different variations with the use of artistic expression. The artists who were involved in this movement saw it as an extension of defining what the value of being life was, more specifically what was its purpose, and to ultimately examine how this search for a purpose affects our individual lives and perspective day to day.

The painting known as the scream (made in 1893) by Edward Munch was a massive inspiration to the artists that later led on the expressionist movement, the early influence is evident with the way the colours are distorted to provide an emotional experience rather then a physical reality.

Expressionism was an avant garde movement that started before the first world war in Germany, and maintained its popularity even after the spread of the movement. The movements essential themes of literature and art was now extended to all expressive forms such as film, architecture, and even music. This however was targeted by one other rising culture which was the Weimer culture that was a result of the Germans loss in the first world war, that was highly influenced and enlarged by 1933, as a result of Hitler and his recent rise towards power and authority.

This did not however stop the expressionists from creating as their hearts desired, here are artists who are well known for their involvement with the expressionist style.

The first artist is Franz Marc with his piece "fighting forms" that was made in 1914, this is a brilliant example of how the emotional essence and impact of the piece was prioritized over the aesthetical feature of the piece. The piece itself is not only poetic and almost theatrical, but has a very clear purpose which I think is a very fine way of storytelling with the use of artistic forms. The user is already able to identify that the piece is based on two opposing forms, which is most likely similar to the idea of good vs evil. I personally see it as the reflection of an artists soul, of how the burning flame of passion and love is always clashing against the agonizing chaotic black hole that yearns for destruction and despair. 

There were also groups of individual expressionist artists that came together to share their passion and creativity,  One of the most popular groups is known as Die Brucke that formed in 1905, their focus was mostly on primitive art that  is influenced from prehistoric and non-western art work. Despite the dark colours often seen in expressionist work, Die Brucke expressed emotion through bright colours that was a very non-naturalistic response. This is one of the things that made Die Brucke so popular, despite this the group still stuck to precious traditional art styles such as being against abstraction and sticking to very revealing poses and forms. What I like about this in comparison to Franz Marcs work is that it shows how to express an emotional value doesn't necessarily have to be done with the typical dark colours and themes. 

This is a piece known as "the prophet" (1912) by Emil Nolde, what I love about this piece is how you can physically feel the individuals pain and sorrow through more then just their facial expression. The contrast makes it seem as if the individual is almost drowning in all the pain, slowly diving deeper and deeper into their own emotions until soon they will become unrecognizable. I think this is one of the best examples of the power of the expressionist style, to allow the user to emphasize with the individual in the portrait in such a personal way. To open up their minds into what hides behind an individuals facial expression. 

This is a piece known as composition VII (1913)  by one of my favourite artists Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky is commonly known for beginning and introducing the very first of abstract works. His own style was known as Synesthesia, which was expressing the link between ones own senses and ones own visual perception of art. What I admire so much about Kandinsky is how he made a language based out of geometric forms and colours, for instance how a circle was a representation of a peaceful and complete form representing the depth of the human soul. He also made links between musical theory, for instance how the colour yellow was the representation of the musical note C on a piano. His way of working is one that can never be repeated in the same beautiful and concise way ever again, His work is very influential to me, mainly because his way of understanding and relating shapes is something I find very interesting, especially as I am interested in architecture. How geometry has a universal meaning to us as individuals, more specifically how I feel as if there is a hidden language of communication beneath it all which isn't experimented and identified with as much as it should be. The power of visual communication which isn't being used to its full potential. 

Overall what I really like about this is how a movement brings out many approaches and responses, creating an overall progression into something more, something undefinable.  I most definitely agree with this style of expression, more specifically how a paintings power isn't with its detail, but in how it makes you feel, how the colours and shapes have the power to touch the very core of your soul. This links with my theme and project proposal as it is an example of what I am testing (the linguistic philosophy), of the impact and influence shapes, forms, and col

ours can have when done in unification and with ones own heart and soul. To create a sanctuary for ones soul to escape to for refuge, peace, and salvation. As a design without emotional value or relation to me is not in any way a successful or meaningful design.