Final answer:
Expressionism was an early 20th-century modernist movement that aimed to convey emotional experiences over physical reality, using distorted forms and bold colors. It was a reaction to rapid societal changes and often depicted inner turmoil and angst.
Step-by-step explanation:
Expressionism was a modernist movement that originated in Germany in the early 20th century. It deliberately set out to reject naturalistic representations and instead focus on conveying emotional experiences and inner turmoil. Artists of this movement aimed to express the essence of human feelings and psychological states, often in response to the rapid changes and anxieties of the modern world.
This was achieved through the use of distorted forms, exaggerated colors, and expressive brushstrokes. Expressionist works often featured intense emotion, which was reflected in unsettling and powerful images and themes.
The New Objectivity emerged as a counter-movement to Expressionism, promoting a return to pragmatic and objective approaches in art. However, during its active years, Expressionism had a significant impact across various artistic fields including painting, literature, theatre, and music. It ultimately provided a means for artists to explore and convey the complexities of personal and societal identity during a time characterized by political upheaval and world wars.