Die Brücke (The Bridge) was a pivotal artist group founded in Dresden in 1905, playing a crucial role in the development of German [[Expressionism]] and modern art. Its members sought to create art that broke away from academic and traditional forms, emphasizing emotional intensity, bold colors, and the distortion of figures and forms. The name Die Brücke symbolized their aim to bridge the old world with the new and create a path toward modern artistic expression. The group was influenced by movements like Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, particularly in their use of vibrant, non-naturalistic colors, as well as [[Primitivism]], drawn from their interest in non-Western art. They focused on raw, unfiltered representations of modern life, often depicting urban scenes, landscapes, and nudes. Their work also had a rebellious, anti-establishment spirit, reflecting dissatisfaction with the industrialized, modern world. Die Brücke’s influence extended into modern art through its emphasis on expressive, subjective experience over realistic depiction, influencing later movements like Abstract [[Expressionism]]. Notable artists affiliated with Die Brücke: • [[Ernst Ludwig Kirchner]]: One of the founders and central figures, known for his expressive urban scenes and psychologically charged nudes. • Erich Heckel: A key founding member, his works ranged from landscapes to figure studies, often characterized by angular forms and emotional intensity. • [[Karl Schmidt-Rottluff]]: Another co-founder, Schmidt-Rottluff’s work was marked by a rough, primitive style with stark contrasts and bold lines. • [[Max Pechstein]]: Joined in 1906 and was known for his use of vivid colors and his work influenced by his travels to the South Seas. • Emil Nolde: Though associated with the group only briefly, Nolde’s intensely colored, emotive works had a lasting impact on the [[German Expressionist]] movement. Die Brücke disbanded in 1913, but its influence on the Expressionist movement and modern art was profound, laying the groundwork for emotional abstraction and the exploration of subjective human experience in art. `Concepts:` [[Art]] `Knowledge Base:`