His iconic painting “The Scream” (Image 1) with its exaggerated colors and distorted shapes amplify anxiety and alienation and is the perfect example of Expressionist art. Munch in his tormented “scream” is reacting to the anxieties associated with the modern changing world. In true Expressionist style the elements are exaggerated, distorted, vivid and jarring. The palette is limited and Munch uses intense colour with agitated brushstrokes. Munch’s inner emotional turmoil is conveyed by the swaying, swirling exaggerated brushstrokes. Left: Image 1 “The Scream” 1893 Right: Image 2 “Despair” 1893-4
“Despair “ (Image 2) speaks of isolation and alienation. The foreground figure looks forlorn, the dark rings around his eyes exaggerate his condition, as do his black clothes and he is pointedly alone. He is isolated from the two distant figures that appear to be engaging. There is a strong sense of not belonging. As in “The Scream” the weaving bands of orange/red bands in the sky add to the tension and there is a violent contrast between the light and dark colours heightening the feeling of anxiety. …show more content…
He looks alone and forlorn – he is responding to the interaction between the newly married couple on the pier. Munch’s self portrait in image 4 is carefully staged to convey isolation, Munch is shown as a gaunt insomniac lurking in a darkened house. His “Whose there?” pose is apprehensive, is he worried someone is there? – his demons
“Despair “ (Image 2) speaks of isolation and alienation. The foreground figure looks forlorn, the dark rings around his eyes exaggerate his condition, as do his black clothes and he is pointedly alone. He is isolated from the two distant figures that appear to be engaging. There is a strong sense of not belonging. As in “The Scream” the weaving bands of orange/red bands in the sky add to the tension and there is a violent contrast between the light and dark colours heightening the feeling of anxiety. …show more content…
He looks alone and forlorn – he is responding to the interaction between the newly married couple on the pier. Munch’s self portrait in image 4 is carefully staged to convey isolation, Munch is shown as a gaunt insomniac lurking in a darkened house. His “Whose there?” pose is apprehensive, is he worried someone is there? – his demons