What is the difference between impressionism and expressionism in art?

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What is the difference between impressionism and expressionism in art?

Impressionism and expressionism are two distinct artistic movements that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main difference between these two styles lies in their approach to depicting reality and conveying emotions.

Impressionism, which originated in France, sought to capture the fleeting and transient aspects of the visual world. Impressionist artists focused on depicting the effects of light and color, often using loose brushstrokes and vibrant palettes. They aimed to create an immediate and spontaneous impression of a scene, emphasizing the play of light and atmosphere. Impressionism aimed to depict the visual reality as it appeared to the artist at a particular moment in time.

On the other hand, expressionism, which emerged in Germany, aimed to convey the artist's subjective emotions and inner experiences. Expressionist artists sought to express their feelings and ideas through distorted and exaggerated forms, bold colors, and intense brushwork. They aimed to evoke strong emotional responses from the viewer, often using symbolic or abstract elements. Expressionism focused on the artist's personal interpretation of reality, emphasizing the emotional and psychological aspects of the subject matter.

In summary, while impressionism aimed to capture the visual reality and the effects of light, expressionism focused on conveying the artist's subjective emotions and inner experiences. Impressionism emphasized the external world, while expressionism delved into the internal world of the artist.