ART APPRECIATION

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Street, Berlin (1913)

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

"Street, Berlin (1913)” painted by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, is an example of Expressionist

painting, a style that originated in the early twentieth century with a great concentration on
portraying emotions and personal experiences rather than trying to convey the world objectively.
This painting not only predates World War I, but it also depicts the hectic spirit of city life and the
complicated interactions between men and women, giving it depth and expressive qualities.

"Street, Berlin" is classified as Expressionist art for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it
deviates from standard artistic conventions. It employs perspective distortion. The buildings and
people appear jagged, disintegrated, and deformed creating a strange and unsettling mood. This
break from traditional painting principles suits the Expressionist goal of stressing emotional
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reactions over realistic descriptions of external reality. These twisted forms and angles, in essence,
are designed to evoke an emotional response from the observer.

Secondly, the painting's vibrant color palette serves as another distinct marker of its
adherence to Expressionist principles. The palette is rich and vivid, going beyond the usual,
subdued hues and harmonizing with the movement's rejection of accurate color representation.
Kirchner's brilliant colors considerably add to the emotional mood of "Street, Berlin," resulting in
a visually striking composition that resonates with the heightened sensations characteristic of
Expressionist painting.

Thirdly, a notable aspect contributing to its classification as Expressionist is the palpable

sense of urgency conveyed when observing the painting. It gives the setting a frantic and crowded
sense. Kirchner painted the city in this manner to demonstrate how life in a bustling city like Berlin
can be overwhelming and hectic. And this vibrant depiction accords with the Expressionists'
interest in how modern life affects people's emotions. "Street, Berlin" powerfully portrays this
feature, demonstrating the busy and fast-paced nature of city life, making it a clear example of
Expressionist painting.

To sum it up, "Street, Berlin" wonderfully depicts the essence of Expressionist painting.
The artist makes a painting that is unusual and emotionally charged by straying away from standard
norms. The unusual forms and brilliant colors give the artwork a distinct and strong feeling. The
bustling cityscape conveys the quick pace of life, especially in a bustling capital like Berlin. This
artwork effectively exemplifies the Expressionist focus on how contemporary life influences our
emotions. In a nutshell, "Street, Berlin" is more than simply a painting; it is an outpouring of
emotions that communicates with anybody who sees it.