Expressionism with Plotinus and Schiller

Expressionism is a form of art that represents the inner worlds of feeling and imagination.  Where Realism portrayed the external world with the accurate depictions of life, Expressionism reflects inner moods, ideas and emotions.   Distortions of form, line and intense color, are frequently associated with Expressionistic works (Baldick 121-122).

The Scream. Edvard Munch. 1893. PD U.S. 1923

Perhaps the most recognizable work of Expressionism is The Scream, by Edward Munch.   The vivid colors and distortions lends the image to inner disturbance and the feelings of being separated from society.   Plotinus wrote that we could look to the souls of artisans to understand beauty.  For Plotinus, beauty was a path to understanding higher virtues.  Viewers recognize the emotive forms and associate them to their own feelings.  Disturbance, anxiety and aloneness are clearly conveyed within the image; they are ideas that have been given material form.  Through Expressionism one can relate and experience the deep emotions that inspired Edvard Munch.

The Metamorphosis. Franz Kafka. 1915. PD 1923

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is considered a highly original and influential piece of literature, and it is associated with the expressionistic movement.

Nosferatu. F.W. Murnauds. 1922. PD U.S. 1923

Nosferatu is considered an Expressionist cinematic masterpiece.  The movie made use of sinister shadows and exaggerated features to amplify emotive effects.  Though familiar to us today, Nosferatu, for the first time, used zoom to pan in close to the monster’s face.  The effect made moviegoers physically uncomfortable and enhanced the Expressionistic effect.

 We can use Friedrich Schiller’s view of the Aesthetic Mode to interpret the Expressionistic power of Nosferatu.  Schiller believed the Aesthetic Mode was intrinsic to man, and it functions independently from natural, social or moral laws.  The nature of the Aesthetic Mode is the use of semblance; the playful use of the imagination to form abstractions from imitations and representations.  Expressionism bypasses conscious consideration and the forms, colors and distortions speak the deeper memories and experiences within us.  Nosferatu and Schiller help us understand the real power of Expressionism; the ability to use the imagination and closure to form meaning from abstract forms, lines and colors.

 

Der Racher (The Avenger). Ernst Barlach. 1911.
Photographer: Not Cited at Source

The Avenger is sculpture by Ernst Barlach.  Constructed in 1911, it represented the unstoppable force of the German people at the start of World War I.   It represents both the physical and psychological aspects of war.  Although the work was born from nationalistic enthusiasm, Barlach would ultimately reject war.  Interestingly enough, Hitler had the piece removed because it was offense; even though he considered Barlach a genius.

Starry Night. Vincent Van Gogh. 1889.  PD 1923

Starry Night is discussed in more detail with the Impressionism post, due to its style and form.  However, Starry Night has strong associations with Expressionism.  Although it is our nature to identify and classify artistic works, this serves as a reminder that great works frequently cross genres, and can be interpreted through many different perspectives.  

Plotinus gives us measures to identify significant ideas with material forms and colors.  Schiller offers the Aesthetic Mode that describes how one uses the imagination to form abstractions from semblances.  Another Philosopher, Immanuel Kant, uses the idea of free play that can also be applied to images that are more abstract or expressive in nature. 

Expressionism has the tendency to bypass our conscious thoughts and speak directly to our senses.  Rational thought gives way to dream, intuition and the imagination to fully realize the significant experiences of Expressionistic works of art.

Works Cited

Barlach, Ernst. Der Racher (The Avenger). Highlights Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery. N.P.,
             N.d. Web Nov 25.2013. www.albrightknowx.org

Kant, Immanuel. “Critique of Aesthetic Judgment.” Art 623, Aesthetics. Tiffin University. N.d. Web.  Sept 8, 2013

Plotinus. Enneads. Art 623, Aesthetics. Tiffin University. N.d. Web.  Sept 1, 2013

Schiller, Friedrich. “On the Aesthetic Education of Man.” Art 623, Aesthetics. Tiffin University. N.d. Web.  Sept 15, 2013