German Expressionism1905-1930

German ExpressionismExpressionism used forms and colors for emotional impact

Two groups:Die BrückeDer Blaue

German ExpressionismDie Brücke

Means “the bridge” Believed their work would be a bridge to the future

Produced intense anguished art with harshly distorted forms and clashing colors

German Expressionism:Brought about the revival of the graphic artsEspecially the woodcut

German Expressionism:Käthe Kollwitz:

Focused on pacifist subjects and the poor

Used stark forms and harsh lines to express the tragic loss in war’s aftermath

Self-Portrait by Käthe Kollwitz

Hopsital Visit Käthe Kollwitz

Detail of Hopsital Visit Käthe Kollwitz

The People by Käthe Kollwitz

Kirchner“My goal was always to express emotion and experience with large and simple forms and clear color.”

Focused on street scenes and caberet dancers mostly

Portrait of Alex by Kirchner

Man’s Head by Kirchner

Emil Nolde Gave his human figures hideous, mask-like faces to suggest a deformed spirit

Threw away his brushes and would wiped thick blotches of paint onto the canvas with a rag

Still Life Masks 3 by Emil Nold

Excited People by Emil Nold

German Expressionism: Der Blaue ReiterDer Blaue Reiter is the second movement of German Expressionism. Breakthrough to pure abstraction

KandiskyBelieved color could convey emotion irrespective of content

Used rainbow bright colors and loose brushwork to create completely nonobjective paintings

Improvisation 31 by Kandinsky

Composition 7 by Kandinsky

Paul KleeHis work is full of simple shapes and forms

Very influenced by ancient hieroglyphics and symblos

Blue Night by Paul Klee

Temple Garden by Paul Klee

Landscape and Yellow Church Tower by Paul Klee