Expressionism

Expressionism

Expressionism is characterized by artists to being biased to subjective emotions and personal responses to subjects rather than reality. This started in Germany before the First World War, colour drawing proportion were exaggerated or distorted, and symbolic content was important. The foundational elements of drawing line and colour were definite and value contrasts were often intensified. Thickly layered paint, loose brushwork and bold outlined drawings were used to achieve the desired properties. Lithographs, woodcuts and posters were valuable for the expressionists.

An uprising against normal aesthetics forms and cultural norms, expressionists had felt a deep sense of social crisis; German expressionists rejected the power of military, government, education rule.  They had intense assertive for the poor or social outcasts.  Expressionist believe that there art could lead towards social order and to improve human condition.

 Expressionists representation in easily understood imagery prints, drawings, sculptures and posters by Kathe Schmmidt Kollwits. Kathe posters convey a great sympathy for the women and children suffering of poverty.

Expressionism influenced graphic illustration and poster design.  The emphasis placed on social and political activism continues in providing a viable model for graphic designers.  The movement was inspired from unschooled artists, African tribal art, eastern and western cultures, served as sources of inspiration to this movement.

Similarities between the two articles/ blogs: A quick summary of the features of expressionism:

·         The primary attribute is one of distortion, perspective and angles, in an attempt to place emotions over a view of the outside world.

·         The use of bold colours as mentioned earlier

·         Backdrops are expressive

·         The subject of art was very often dark and horrific element the world war was an influence on the second wave of expressionist artists

·         Expressionism seeks to transform nature, in hopes of showing a reality in process of transformation.

Reference:

ThatStudent 2012, expressionism [online], available at: http://havingalookathistoryofgraphicdesign.blogspot.com/2012/10/expressionism.html [accessed 6 December 2013]

Meggs P. B. and Purvis A. W. 1998. 5th Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons , Inc

Anon . expressionism,  [online] availbe at:  http://classes.berklee.edu/llanday/fall01/tech/expressionism/ [accessed 6 December 2013]