Expressionism
volume
British pronunciation/ɛkspɹˈɛʃənˌɪzəm/
American pronunciation/ɪksˈpɹɛʃəˌnɪzəm/

Definition & Meaning of "expressionism"

Expressionism
01

a style and movement of art, music, and literature in the early 20th century that expresses extreme feelings and emotions instead of showing events or objects in a realistic manner

expressionism definition and meaning

What is "expressionism"?

Expressionism was a movement that began in the early 20th century, mainly in Germany, and influenced art, music, and literature. It focused on conveying emotional experiences and inner feelings rather than realistic representations. In art, artists like Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele used bold colors and twisted forms to express intense emotions. In music, composers like Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg created works with harsh sounds and unusual structures to create strong emotional responses. In literature, writers such as Franz Kafka and Rainer Maria Rilke explored themes of anxiety and isolation through new and often broken narrative styles. The movement aimed to show the personal and psychological experiences of modern life, focusing on emotional impact over realistic representation.

02

a theatrical style characterized by exaggeration, distortion, and symbolism, often used to explore complex psychological states and emotions

What is "expressionism"?

Expressionism in theater is a style that focuses on presenting the inner emotions and psychological states of characters through exaggerated and symbolic means. It often features distorted settings, unusual dialogue, and intense, dramatic actions to reflect the characters' inner struggles and anxieties. The aim of this style of theater is to convey the emotional experience and inner turmoil of characters in a way that goes beyond literal representation, often using visual and dramatic techniques to evoke a powerful emotional response from the audience.

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