I really love classical/modern art. A piece that has and continues to strike verve,
intrigue and suspense all at the same time is Edvard Munch's 1893 work "The
Scream". Probably one of the most famous motifs in the world that even has its own
emoji. (Munchmuseet. n.d.) The inspiration behind "The Scream" began with a walk he
took with two friends during sunset. The colorful spectacle provoked a strong
response in Munch, while his friends remained indifferent. Munch came to terms with
this occurrence by recording it down on paper in both words and images, which
resulted in several versions of The Scream. It is work that is primal and raw,
almost like an expressionist. In this work, there is insanity and emotions that
incite anxiety and provocative thoughts from a visceral level. Munch experienced a
turbulent childhood which included tragedy and illness. His mother and sister died
of tuberculosis and Mental illness ran in his family-factors that influenced his
work throughout his life. Munch uses techniques to enhance the intensity of the
mysterious figure’s expression of agony and to create a relationship between the
figure and the setting. To create the effects of horror, anxiety, distress, and
endless other unpleasant emotions that the audience may experience while
interpreting this painting, Munch manipulated such elements as line, color, light
and shadow, form, and balance. The use of straight and curved distorted lines
appears to be the strongest element that lends to the mood of the painting.
Chaotic lines form the body of the figure, but these curvy lines also shape the
landscape that literally weighs down on the shoulders of the figure as if the force
of the surroundings creates immense pressure for the figure. Also, the color and
placement of light and shadow appear to add to the emotional appeal of the scene.
The sky appears as if it is in burning up in flames while the scene is dark and
gloomy. Furthermore, there is a contrast between the light, pale face and the dark
body which contributes to drawing attention to the figure in the painting.
The Scream, 1893 by Edvard Munch
Source:
https://www.munchmuseet.no/en/The-Scream/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9r-
DBhBxEiwA9qYUpbhmSqdDBQxPXqNQxjFVM_Nodv9rnNrdHCXAQoymEs9n3ADY-QqYaxoC-rYQAvD_BwE
https://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edvardmunch.org%2Fimages
%2Fpaintings%2Fthe-scream.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edvardmunch.org%2Fthe-
scream.jsp&tbnid=0UZAsDxsOmKW-
M&vet=12ahUKEwjC5unczPLvAhUFNKYKHRA_DHYQMygAegUIARDbAQ..i&docid=1iewB9Kj8MJFQM&w=59
4&h=750&q=image%20of%20scream
%20painting&ved=2ahUKEwjC5unczPLvAhUFNKYKHRA_DHYQMygAegUIARDbAQ
406 words
intrigue and suspense all at the same time is Edvard Munch's 1893 work "The
Scream". Probably one of the most famous motifs in the world that even has its own
emoji. (Munchmuseet. n.d.) The inspiration behind "The Scream" began with a walk he
took with two friends during sunset. The colorful spectacle provoked a strong
response in Munch, while his friends remained indifferent. Munch came to terms with
this occurrence by recording it down on paper in both words and images, which
resulted in several versions of The Scream. It is work that is primal and raw,
almost like an expressionist. In this work, there is insanity and emotions that
incite anxiety and provocative thoughts from a visceral level. Munch experienced a
turbulent childhood which included tragedy and illness. His mother and sister died
of tuberculosis and Mental illness ran in his family-factors that influenced his
work throughout his life. Munch uses techniques to enhance the intensity of the
mysterious figure’s expression of agony and to create a relationship between the
figure and the setting. To create the effects of horror, anxiety, distress, and
endless other unpleasant emotions that the audience may experience while
interpreting this painting, Munch manipulated such elements as line, color, light
and shadow, form, and balance. The use of straight and curved distorted lines
appears to be the strongest element that lends to the mood of the painting.
Chaotic lines form the body of the figure, but these curvy lines also shape the
landscape that literally weighs down on the shoulders of the figure as if the force
of the surroundings creates immense pressure for the figure. Also, the color and
placement of light and shadow appear to add to the emotional appeal of the scene.
The sky appears as if it is in burning up in flames while the scene is dark and
gloomy. Furthermore, there is a contrast between the light, pale face and the dark
body which contributes to drawing attention to the figure in the painting.
The Scream, 1893 by Edvard Munch
Source:
https://www.munchmuseet.no/en/The-Scream/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9r-
DBhBxEiwA9qYUpbhmSqdDBQxPXqNQxjFVM_Nodv9rnNrdHCXAQoymEs9n3ADY-QqYaxoC-rYQAvD_BwE
https://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edvardmunch.org%2Fimages
%2Fpaintings%2Fthe-scream.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.edvardmunch.org%2Fthe-
scream.jsp&tbnid=0UZAsDxsOmKW-
M&vet=12ahUKEwjC5unczPLvAhUFNKYKHRA_DHYQMygAegUIARDbAQ..i&docid=1iewB9Kj8MJFQM&w=59
4&h=750&q=image%20of%20scream
%20painting&ved=2ahUKEwjC5unczPLvAhUFNKYKHRA_DHYQMygAegUIARDbAQ
406 words
