Expressionism

 Introduction:

Expressionism is an early 20th-century artistic and literary movement that focuses on expressing deep inner emotions and psychological states rather than realistic appearances.Expressionism is a modernist movement that began in Northern Europe, mainly Germany. It appears in poetry, painting, and other arts. Instead of showing the world realistically, it focuses on subjective emotions and inner experiences. Expressionist artists express feelings through bold colors, distorted forms, and intense language to show fear, anger, or isolation.

Definition: 

Expressionism is a modernist art and literary movement that emphasizes inner emotions and subjective experience over realistic representation.

Etymology and history of Expressionism:

Etymology: 

The word "Expressionism" comes from the word "express", meaning to show or reveal inner feelings.It is derived from the Latin word "exprimere", meaning "to press out" or "to express".

History:

Expressionism began in early 20th-century Germany, around 1905, as a reaction against realism and industrial society. It focused on emotional expression, especially during times of crisis like World War I. The movement spread across art, literature, theatre, and film, influencing many modern styles.

Example of Expressionism:

Name of the painting: 'Inside'

Name of the painter: joseph Milton 

 1. Inner Psychological Reality Over External Realism:

The painting does not aim to depict the outer world realistically.Instead, it reflects emotional chaos, fear, agony, or mental suffering.The central figure, with an open mouth and wide eyes, seems to be in despair or trauma, representing psychological tension.

 2. Alienation and Isolation:

The figure appears trapped, surrounded by distorted, screaming, or expressionless faces.This suggests emotional isolation or being consumed by others’ pain or one’s own thoughts.There's a sense of being lost in a crowd, yet utterly alone.

 3. Distortion of Form and Color:

The faces and bodies are not realisticthey’re stretched, melted, and overlapping.This distortion enhances emotional impact, a classic Expressionist technique.The dominant blue-green tones evoke sadness, coldness, and a surreal, nightmarish feeling.

 4. Emotion Over Logic:

The scene is not logical it’s driven by feeling.Faces float in the background with no clear structure or space, giving a dream-like or chaotic emotional atmosphere.This emotional exaggeration is typical of Expressionism.

5. Themes of Angst and Suffering:

The painting explores human suffering, existential dread, and loss of identity.Multiple faces, some screaming or expressionless, show anguish, possibly symbolizing mental illness, trauma, or a fractured mind.

There is one another example of Expressionism in literary text :

Name of novel: The metamorphosis  

Writer name: franz kafka 

1. Inner Psychological Reality Over External Realism:

Focuses on the emotional and mental state of the character rather than realistic events or external details.

2. Alienation and Isolation:

Highlights the character’s emotional, social, and physical separation from others, showing how disconnected individuals feel in a modern world.

3. Distorted and Grotesque Imagery:

Uses surreal or unnatural imagery to express inner emotional truths or existential suffering.

4. Critique of Modern Society:

Challenges the values of materialism, capitalism, and the lack of human empathy in modern family and social structures.

5. Symbolism Over Plot:

Gives more importance to symbolic meaning rather than logical sequence or plot development.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, expressionism is a modernist movement that highlights inner emotions, subjective reality, and psychological truth using symbolism, distortion, and themes of alienation and existential struggle, rather than focusing on realistic representation.