Extraordinary Visions: "Entgegenständlichung" in Expressionism

Abstract

"Entgegenständlichung" in Expressionism results when art deforms or changes what an object looks like or when art is ornamental. Expressionists were influenced by much non-Western art in addition to Western artists. Despite similarities to some movements, Expressionism was new—a revolution in fact—that showed no ideal beauty or realism, concentrating instead on colour, line, and surface. The "Geist" or spirit of the artist is far more important in Expressionism than mimicking nature. Included is an analysis of four different movements which influenced art history and philosophy and are important precursors to Expressinism: Greek sculpture, Oriental carpets, the Sturm und Drang and the Romantik. Three artists: Kandinsky, Klee, and Kirchner are introduced and their works examined. Entgegenständlichung is further examined as it relates to Kandinsky and Klee’s publications, while Kirchner’s works are examined in comparison to female nudes and landscapes done by various artists in different time periods.