lecture 5 part 3

Introduction to German Expressionism

• Definition: A significant movement in Northern Europe during the early 20th century (1900-1930).

• Influences: Sprang from Romanticism, particularly influenced by Fauvism.

Characteristics of German Expressionism

• Color and Space:

  • Color is not used naturalistically (Fauvist influence).

  • Distorted or flattened space; rough brush strokes are preferred over smooth surfaces.

• Artist's Hand:

  • Visible execution of the medium, showcasing the artist's hand.

• Dialogue with Art History:

  • Engages with traditional art, yet showcases distinct differences.

  • German Expressionists often lacked formal academic training, contrasting with Fauvist artists.

Themes and Influences

• Contemporary Issues:

  • Expressionists are often engaged with contemporary social issues and make social statements through their art.

• Emotional Content:

  • Strong emotional expression was present in prior German art (e.g., landscape painting from the 19th century).

  • Notable emotionalism during the Medieval and Renaissance periods in Germany—characterized by suffering and intense emotion.

• Folk Traditions and Other Art Influences:

  • Influenced by native folk traditions, children's art, and African and Oceanic art, classified as 'primitive' art forms in the early 20th century.

Artistic Centers in Germany

• Diverse artistic movements across several cities:

  • Major cities included Berlin, Dresden, and Munich.

Paula Modersohn-Becker: A Key German Expressionist

• Potential Bridger of Northern Art to Expressionism:

  • Lived in an artist gallery outside of Dresden, focused on simpler, more authentic culture.

• Primitivism Influence:

  • Her style included elements influenced by folk art and non-Western sources.

• Experiences in Paris:

  • Inspired by Impressionists and post-Impressionists (e.g., Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne) during her pilgrimage to Paris.

• Artistic Themes:

  • Created art emphasizing direct emotion, simplicity, and sensitivity to nature.

Gender and Artistic Practice

• Concerns of Female Artists:

  • Paula’s worries about marriage and motherhood affecting her art were notable; she died during childbirth, emphasizing her struggles as a woman artist.

Case Study: Self Portrait on Her Sixth Wedding Anniversary (1906)

• Work Analysis:

  • Combines elements of primitivism with a nude self-portrait.

  • Dramatizes the female form in a personal and unique context.

• Significance of Subject Matter:

  • Unlike the typical male perspective, she presents her pregnant body not as an object but as a symbol of creativity.

  • Challenges the objectification of female nudes often exploited in art history.

• Visual Elements:

  • The image's flattened appearance relates to domesticity and flourishing life (e.g., connection with flowers in the background).

  • Highlights individualization and a deep connection between the portrayal of her body and her artistic expression.

Summary

• Paula Modersohn-Becker's contributions to German Expressionism exemplify a new understanding of female identity and the intersection of personal experience and artistic expression.