Expressionism/German Expressionism

Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893

Expressionism was a movement that emerged in Europe in the late 19th Century. It encompassed not only pictorial art, but also literature and the theatrical arts. In visual art, Expressionism is characterized by vivid color and powerful brush strokes to amplify the emotions being portrayed. Rather than trying to achieve artistic harmony, the Expressionist artist attempted to depict the artist's own sensibility and emotions in his work. The work is therefore very personal to the artist. This movement had great influence on a wide range of modern art movements in the 20th Century.

The Expressionist Movement was most prominent in Germany, and is often times referred to as German Expressionism.

Some of the world's most admired artists were Expressionists. Edvuard Munch's visceral work The Scream and Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night are examples of the ability of the Expressionist artform to enter the realm of public popularity.