Expressionism Reassessed

Expressionism was one of the most important artistic movements of the early 20th century, helping to shape virtually all of the contemporary art forms of today. For artists, expressionism represented an abandonment of the constraints of a classical training, where they could explore their internal emotions, feelings and conflicts through their chosen art-form, celebrating the creativity of self-expression. Their work was marked by extremes - of anguish and ecstasy, delicacy and brutality; attraction and replusion - producing a sense of wild urgency. This artistic phenomenon, inspired by the tribal art of Africa, the vibrant colours of the Fauves, and medieval German woodcuts, captured the attention of artists throughout Europe. "Expressionism Reassessed" focuses on the multi-disciplinary development of expressionism, setting it in a cultural, political and historical context. The international team of specialists explore the many manifestations of this influential, yet loosely-defined, movement in painting, music, theatre, sculpture, film, opera, architecture and dance.