Definition for Expressionism
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Expressionism (early 20th century) in painting traditionally refers to a German movement between 1905 and 1930. It also includes a variety of approaches aimed at eliciting in the viewer the same feelings the artist felt in creating the work. Any element—line, form, color—might be emphasized to elicit this response. Its treatment of subject matter ranges from representational to completely abstract or nonrepresentational. Expressionism in music stressed intense subjective emotion. It is closely associated with expressionism in painting and explores inner feelings rather than outward appearances. Characteristic of the style in music is harsh dissonance and fragmentation, and the exploitation of extreme registers and unusual instrumental effects. Tonality and traditional chord progressions are avoided. Expressionism in the theatre, unlike its counterparts in visual art and music, proved merely an extension of realism or naturalism, but it did allow playwrights to express their reactions to the universe more fully. The subjective distortions characteristic of expressionism in visual art can be seen most clearly in similar visualization in scenic design or stage settings.