Expressionism in Art and Film

My Prison by Sharon Wilfong

In art / painting, Expressionism is a technique in which the artist paints from emotion and their personal response to a situation, rather than replicating a visual based in the reality of what we see. 

Expressionism began as a movement that was a response to atrocities in the world, social change, and mass awakenings. "The Scream", by Evard Munch, is probably the most well-known work of expressionism throughout the world;  

The Scream by Evard Munch

although, Van Gogh’s "Starry Night on the Rhone" is arguably an excellent example of the technique.

Van Gogh "Starry Night on the Rhone"

The (painting) Expressionists we think of today are the artists who started the movement before WWI and continued to produce during the war years.

As a young painter, I was heavily influenced by Van Gogh and Gaugin, whose use of color I found truly inspiring. It began a life-long love of this painting style. 

Blue Butterflies by Sharon Wilfong

I am currently discovering the connection (in my mind) between Expressionist painting and Expressionistic film. My challenge is to find my own style within this medium, and it makes sense to me that I would use my expressionistic tendencies to convey emotion in my digital film work. Not really a Hollywood ideal, but that’s okay.

Ghostlight was my first attempt at Expressionism in film. Within the 9ish minutes that the movie runs, I see many places where we pulled it off, and of course, places where we will improve with experience.

Megan haunts Dave: Ghostlight by Sharon (Helen Wheels) Wilfong

I plan to continue my study of Expressionism in film and as always, share my findings with you.

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