Art. German Expressionism at Moderna Museet: Bright and Green

The German Expressionism exhibition at Moderna Museet in Stockholm showcases the bold, emotional art of the early 20th century. German Expressionism was a reaction to the chaotic world of industrialization and war. Artists in this movement used intense colors, distorted shapes, and dramatic lines to express inner feelings and the struggles of modern life.

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German Expressionism exhibition at Moderna Stockholm.

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Landschaft mit Feldern: A Vibrant Landscape of Emotion

A standout painting in the exhibition is Landschaft mit Feldern (Landscape with Fields) by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. This painting shows a bright, energetic landscape filled with distorted forms and bold colors. The wild brushstrokes and exaggerated shapes create a sense of urgency and tension, capturing the emotional intensity of the artist. Kirchner’s work is a great example of how Expressionists used landscapes not just to show nature, but to express deep emotional experiences.

The Power of Color and Emotion in Expressionism

The German Expressionists wanted to show the world as they felt it, not as it really looked. They used exaggerated colors and distorted figures to reflect anxiety, isolation, and the struggle to understand life in a rapidly changing world. This exhibition features works by famous Expressionists like Edvard Munch and Ernst Barlach, who also focused on deep emotional states, creating powerful images that connect with viewers on a personal level.

A Lasting Influence

Even though German Expressionism developed in a specific time—during the turmoil of the early 20th century—it still influences art today. The movement’s focus on emotion and inner experience helped pave the way for later art movements, like Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition shows how artists used color and form to express complex emotions, making their work feel both personal and universal.

As discussed on our art blog, the German Expressionism exhibition at Moderna Museet offers a powerful look at how art can express the struggles of modern life through color, form, and emotion.

These exhibitions give a fascinating look at how artists in two different periods—Romanticism and German Expressionism—used their work to explore deep emotions, the power of nature, and the complexity of the human experience.