Expressionism Movement. Contemporary Expressionism

The early 20th century became marked with a number of events and when it goes about art the beginning of the century is associated with such process as expressionism movement. The most characteristic features of the movement in painting are vivid non-naturalistic colors, distorted lines. This painting style spread over the countries and became especially prominent in Germany and Austria. However, as for art, it is considered that a distinct expressionism movement has never been, and the term was applied concerning Germany paintings and graphic work at the turn of the century. The notion «expressionism» in general term is referred to art that expresses intense emotion.

There were expressionism movement groups: «The Bridge» (Die Brucke) and «The Blue Rider» ( Der Blaue Reiter). To these groups such well-known expressionists as Ernst Kirchner, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Erich Heckel, Max Beckmann, Emil Nolde and Wassily Kandinsky belonged. The last one is considered to be the most notable abstract expressionist artist. Kandinsky was the follower of non-representational abstraction theory, among his works it is possible to view organic and fluid as well as geometric and pictographic styles.

It is Vincent van Gogh expressionism artist and his painting that influenced other representative of the movement. The works of the painter are characterized as autobiographical, van Gogh's painting features tortured feelings and private obsessions, shrill colors, irregular forms – the inner battle and conflict.

Expressionism movement influenced both art and literature, where the movement became a reaction against realism and naturalism. There was a group German dramatists in the early 20th century which created works characterized as distortion of reality writing. Being a revolt against realism expressionism in literature aimed to achieve spiritual reality rather logical sequence of events. The literature movement didn't last long, but it's influence on the further development of writing was great.

Expressionism works capture and reveal emotions and subjective interpretations of the artists. The expressionism artist utilizes arbitrary colors, irregular compositions, while the aesthetically pleasing impressions are pushed to the background. Such colors and composition help to achieve the main aim – to focus on vivid emotional reactions of the painter.

Today's artists also create their works in such a style, using simple colors and shapes to express feelings in the paintings. Valeriy Klinkov is one of contemporary expressionism artists and his works are available for viewing at the artists' online gallery at klinkov.com website. If you are looking for such art to buy it you are welcome at the site since the drawings are available for sale also.