I find that my very
favorite artists are all Expressionists born between 1860 and the early 1870s.
James Ensor (Belgium, 1860 - 1849)
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| "The Intrigue," James Ensor, 1890 oil on canvas |
James Ensor's work terrifies me and even gives me nightmares, especially his work on masks. In addition to Expressionism, he is part of the Surrealist movement. He tends to favor still life and scenes with masks and skeletons frequent motifs. His paintings tell strange and comedic stories about identity, self-discovery, deception and death.
Edvard Munch (Norway, 1860 - 1849)
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| "Separation," Edvard Munch, 1896 oil on canvas |
Munch's powerful use of color, shape, line and distortion always evoke an emotional response for me, but especially the above painting, "Separation." This painting brings me to tears.
Emil Nolde (Germany, 1867 - 1956)
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| "Evening Marsh Landscape," Emil Nolde, 1940 watercolor on thin Japan paper |
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I love Emil Nolde's unsettling and intriguing use of color, especially in his watercolor paintings. He is known for his landscapes and flower paintings, all rather abstract and considered too modern for his time.
Emily Carr (Canada, 1871 - 1945)
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| "Odds and Ends," Emily Carr, 1939 oil on canvas |
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Emily Carr is perhaps the most celebrated Canadian artist. Her greatest inspiration was nature and the native culture of the Pacific Northwest. I am intrigued by her use of shape, line and light to convey the spiritual aspect of nature.
