Definition

1. Noun:
   • An art movement: A style and movement in art, especially painting, that developed in the early 20th century. It emphasizes the artist's subjective, emotional, and psychological experience over a realistic depiction of the external world. This inner feeling is often communicated through distorted forms, exaggerated colors, and bold, jarring compositions.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Expressionism sought to portray raw human emotion and experience.
  • The museum's new wing is dedicated to German Expressionism.
  • His early work shows a clear influence of Expressionism.

Advanced Usage

• "to be influenced by Expressionism": to show the stylistic or thematic impact of the Expressionist movement.
  • The director's use of stark lighting and angular sets was heavily influenced by Expressionism.
• "Expressionist" (adj/n): Pertaining to Expressionism; an artist who practices Expressionism.
  • She is known for her expressionist paintings. (adj)
  • The expressionists rejected photographic realism. (n)

Variants and Related Words

• Expressionist (noun/adjective): A practitioner or characteristic of Expressionism.
  • Edvard Munch is considered a key forerunner of the Expressionists.
• Expressionistic (adjective): Having the qualities of Expressionism.
  • The film's expressionistic cinematography created a nightmarish atmosphere.

Synonyms

• Emotionalism (in art): Emphasis on conveying emotion (though this is a broader, less specific term).
• Subjectivism: An artistic approach prioritizing the artist's personal perspective.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Abstract Expressionism: A post-World War II art movement, primarily American, that emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It is a later development influenced by, but distinct from, early 20th-century Expressionism.
  • Jackson Pollock is a major figure in Abstract Expressionism.
• German Expressionism: A specific, highly influential branch of the movement centered in Germany before WWI, encompassing groups like (The Bridge) and (The Blue Rider).
  • The film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" is a landmark of German Expressionism in cinema.

Noun

1. an art movement early in the 20th century; the artist's subjective expression of inner experiences was emphasized; an inner feeling was expressed through a distorted rendition of reality