The corrected first exams were returned today with a brief discussion of some of the positives and negatives aspects regarding the results.

We then began looking at the next major trend in 20th century artistic thought: expressionism. These artists, primarily from Germany, were rejecting modern society and technological progress and sought a return to nature both in their lifestyles and the content of their art.

Emil Nolde, "The Last Supper" 1909

Two of the artists that were highly influential to the expressionists were Gauguin and Van Gogh. Stylistically, they were also influenced by the work of the symbolists, art nouveau, and fauvism. We focused on three of these artists: Emil Nolde, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Kathe Kollwitz.

Ernst Ludwiz Kirchner, "Street, Dresden" 1908

The works produced by these artists were highly personal as they tried to convey their concerns which were both spiritual and, in many cases, political.

Kathe Kollwitz, "Death Seizing A Woman" 1934

Next class we will be visiting the Barnes-Wallace Gallery on-campus to view and discuss the work of Carianne Mack who will be present to talk and answer questions about her own work. This will also be an assignment.

Next Monday, we will wrap up our discussion of expressionism and move on to cubism.

Viewings:

• Slides from Lecture 10

Readings:

• Chapter 8: Expressionism in Germany

Today’s lecture was a review of the “isms” and styles covered during the past four weeks: realism, impressionism, post-impressionism, symbolism, art nouveau, expressionism, and fauvism. Additionally, the importance and impact of the new medium of photography was integrated into the review. All styles that comprise what we call modernism.

The review also focused on how to write for the assessment using basic techniques to focus on what is important in answering questions about specific works, styles. and comparison/contrasts of diverse styles and works.

The first exam will be Wednesday, October 1.

This class we covered Chapter 5 looking and discussing art nouveau, examples of this style, and several artists who best illustrate this particular style such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Aubrey Beardsley, and Gustav Klimt.

Gustave Klimt, "Death and Life" 1916

Then we wrapped up the chapter by viewing and discussing a select group artists representing early movements towards expressionism – Edvard Munch and James Ensor.

Edvard Munch, "The Dance of Life" 1900

Next class we will continue with the first avant-garde movement of the 20th century: fauvism.

Viewings:

• Slides from Lecture 06

Readings:

• Chapter 5: Art Nouveau