EXPRESSIONISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Expressionists refers to a group of artists and thinkers who emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in German-speaking regions. The term "expressionism" itself encompasses various artistic forms, including painting, literature, theater, and film, as well as a broader cultural and intellectual movement. Expressionists aimed to convey the inner emotions, subjective sensations, and psychological depths of human experience, rather than adhering to a strictly realistic or objective approach.
In visual arts, expressionists employed vivid and exaggerated colors, distorted forms, sharp angles, and bold brushstrokes to convey intense feelings and inner turmoil. Their works often emphasized the individual's emotional response to the world, reflecting themes of alienation, angst, and social criticism. Notable painters affiliated with expressionism include Edvard Munch, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Wassily Kandinsky.
Expressionists within literature and theater sought to explore similar psychological and emotional states, often rejecting traditional storytelling structures in favor of expressing inner turmoil, existential dilemmas, and societal critiques. Notable expressionist writers and playwrights include Franz Kafka, Georg Trakl, and August Stramm.
Although expressionism encompassed various creative forms, its adherents shared a common emphasis on subjective experience, inner emotional states, and the rejection of societal norms. Expressionists sought to challenge conventional artistic and intellectual practices, aiming to create a more authentic and emotionally charged interpretation of the human condition.
Etymology of EXPRESSIONISTS
The word "expressionists" is derived from the noun "expressionism", which originated from the German term "Expressionismus". The term was initially used to refer to a specific artistic movement that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. The German word "Expressionismus" was coined by the art critic Herwarth Walden in 1911, who used it to describe the unique artistic style that focused on expressing subjective emotions and experiences through vivid and exaggerated imagery.
The root of the word "expressionism" stems from the verb "express". In this context, it suggests the act of expressing or conveying one's inner thoughts, emotions, or ideas through various artistic means. The addition of the suffix "-ismus" in German denotes an "-ism" or a specific ideology or belief system.
