Introduction
The term expressionism originated in France in 1901 to describe the paintings of the artists around Henri Matisse. These artists had a unique way of making their work which involved modification of the depictions of nature according to their own subjectivity. The virtual arts had increased the use of abstract characteristics in their creations. Expressionism was introduced to other parts of the world from the year 1911. It was influenced by the German aesthetic philosophy of the late-nineteenth century. Expressionism involves transforming the world according to the inner desires. It is an active and euphoric creation, not just inert reception. (Colquhoun 2007).
Expressionist Architecture
According to Colquhoun, expressionism is a permanent and recurrent occurrence in modern architecture. Adolf Behne was the first person to relate architecture with expressionism. Modern architecture aims at developing structural intensity which is based on expression, dynamics and rhythm. This also includes the use of new materials like steel, glass and concrete. In expressionism there is unsettled tension between the analytical approaches and emotional approaches whereby the attitudes and feelings are projected into technology. (Colquhoun 2007).
Modernism and Modernity
Modernism is a movement in music, literature, drama and visual areas which disallows the use of the old standards of the nature of art. This included how it should be created, used and its meaning. Modernism emphasizes on impressionism and subjectivity in visual arts and writing.
Modernity is a set of political philosophical and ethical ideas which establish the basis of the aesthetic aspect of modernism. It is essentially about rationality and rationalization i.e., creating order from anarchy. The assumption is that the more rationality, the more order there is and the more order in society the better it will function. It is assumed that modern societies try to eliminate anything that is not orderly or that may upset order.
Modernity in architecture and industrial design was in response to the technological and societal changes. The new machines forced the architects to think, portray and participate in the world. Many modern architects maintain that they do not follow a specific style in design. Modern design is interested in exploring new material, refusing the historical precedents and simplifying the designs by reducing the ornaments used. (Klages 2007).
Expressionism had been widely rejected in the 1920’s. Lukacs and other Marxist intellectuals had rejected it as dissolute. However various architects and authors continued to support it. Bloch was one the adamant supporters of expressionism and in his view, it was an authentic reaction to the experiences of lack of continuity and disintegration caused by the contemporary condition.
Benjamin was another author who differed with expressionism. His focus was on the exterior and surfaces. His aim was to keep the elements of the old way of doing things and not to give room for the radical new way of living. He rejected anything that was based on a close relationship between the interior and exterior. He gave precedence to destruction, montage and allegory. He rejected creativity, security and warmth as he interpreted this to be elements that represented false humanism.
Bloch on the other hand pointed out that what expressionism does is to point to the cracks in the wall so as to expose the void. It is opposition to capitalism, a type of criticism which is no longer existence in the New Objectivity. Although it is true that expressionism is decadent, it should not be rejected. Bloch sees imagination and creativity as important qualities. Security and warmth are important qualities for him. He finds the capitalist way as being hollow and whose surfaces hide an inner void. (Heynen 2000).
Montage is a technique used by the expressionists. They use it so as to back up their personal intent with parts drawn from reality. Montage gives room for one to turn the old system into an advantage, separating of the best parts and using them. In this way, the old methods are transformed into elements that are good for putting in place a new way of life. (Banham 1980).
Expressionist architecture is a reemergence of Romantic attitudes to design which are also a part of architectural designs. This method of design is superior to the traditional techniques. However expressionism has received much criticism from various quarters. It was seen as an acceptable method in the 1920s. Irregardless of the disproval many architects and industrial designers use expressionism to come up with the structures that not only are in conformity with the appropriate guidelines but are also in line with their personal tastes and desires. It allows a person to create from his heart and come up with something truly beautiful.
References
Banham R 1980, Theory and Design in the First Machine Age, MIT Press, London.
Colquhoun A 2002, Modern Architecture, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Heynen H 2000, Architecture and Modernity, MIT Press, Cambridge.
Klages M 2007, Literary Theory: A Guide for the perplexed, Continuum Press, 2008. Web.