What defines Expressionism in art?

Expressionism is defined by its emphasis on strong emotional content and the artist's subjective experience. This movement seeks to convey feelings and moods rather than strictly represent reality. The use of strong colors and distorted forms is characteristic of Expressionist artwork, as it helps to express intense emotions and perspectives. Artists manipulate color, line, and shape to emphasize personal interpretation and evoke feelings, moving away from realistic representation in favor of a more expressive and symbolic approach.

While the other options mention aspects of art, they do not align with the fundamental principles of Expressionism. Geometric abstraction, for example, focuses on shapes and forms without the emotional depth seen in Expressionism. Strict adherence to realism is contrary to the core of Expressionism, which deliberately distorts reality to capture emotion. Similarly, focusing on historical subjects does not define the movement, as Expressionism can encompass a range of themes beyond historicity, often centering on personal, social, or psychological experiences.