Expressionism began in the early 20th century, primarily in Germany, as an avant-garde movement amidst the anxiety and disillusionment following World War I. It was a reaction against the dehumanising effect of industrialization and the urbanisation of the modern world. Artists like Edvard Munch, whose work predates the movement but embodies its spirit, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner of the Die Brücke group, were instrumental in defining Expressionism's visual language.
The movement was characterised by its focus on the representation of emotional experience rather than physical reality. Expressionist artists used vivid colours, exaggerated forms, and distorted lines to convey their subjective emotions and responses to the world around them. This approach was a departure from the realistic styles of the time, emphasising personal expression and individuality.
The formation of artist groups like Die Brücke in 1905 and Der Blaue Reiter in 1911 were pivotal in the development and spread of Expressionism. These groups provided platforms for artists to explore new forms of artistic expression and to share their ideas with wider audiences.
Expressionism had a significant impact on various art forms, including painting, literature, theatre, and later, cinema. Its emphasis on personal, subjective experience paved the way for later movements such as Abstract Expressionism and greatly influenced the modern understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions of art.