Motive
At the beginning of the 20th Century the search for ways to represent emotions expressively became a principal aim for many artists. They deliberately distorted subject matter and colour to express their state of mind, or to depict sensitive issues.
Allegation: Themes in ExpressionismAs Expressionism evolved from just after the turn of the century through the early 1920s, a number of crucial themes and genres came prominently to the fore, many of which reflect deeply humanistic concerns and an ambivalent attitude toward modernity. These include a fascination with the enticing yet often sordid experiences of modern urban life; the enduring solace associated with nature and religion; the naked body and its potential to signify primal emotion; emotionally charged portraiture; and, most pivotally, the need to confront the devastating experience of World War I and its aftermath.
as retrieved from http://www.moma.org/explore/collection/ge/themes/index 28th November 2011 |
Suspect
Franz Marc, The Yellow Cow, 1911
Der Blaue Reiter
German Expressionist group. In English, The Blue Rider. Originated in 1909 in the city of Munich, where the Neue Kunstler Vereiningung, or New Artist Association (N.K.V.) was founded by a number of avant-garde artists. The most important of these were the Russian born Wassily Kandinsky and the German, Franz Marc. In 1911 Kandinsky and Marc broke with the rest of the N.K.V. and in December that year held in Munich the first exhibition of Der Blaue Reiter.
German Expressionist group. In English, The Blue Rider. Originated in 1909 in the city of Munich, where the Neue Kunstler Vereiningung, or New Artist Association (N.K.V.) was founded by a number of avant-garde artists. The most important of these were the Russian born Wassily Kandinsky and the German, Franz Marc. In 1911 Kandinsky and Marc broke with the rest of the N.K.V. and in December that year held in Munich the first exhibition of Der Blaue Reiter.
Suspect
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Self-portrait as Soldier
(1915)
Die Brücke
The Brücke group consisted of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. In 1906 they were joined for a time by Nolde and Max Pechstein and in 1911 by Otto Mueller. The group broke up in 1913.
The Brücke group consisted of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. In 1906 they were joined for a time by Nolde and Max Pechstein and in 1911 by Otto Mueller. The group broke up in 1913.
FOR YOUR CASE FILES
Find ONE example from Die Bruke.
Find ONE example from Der Blaue Reiter.
How are they the same or different?
Why do you think artists were exploring such themes in their artmaking?
Choose one Expressionist theme and illustrate with an example. Describe the artwork and what the artist was trying to convey.