Interieur 1915

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner made this painting, "Interieur," probably sometime in the early 20th century with oil paint. You can see how the artist uses the expressive potential of the medium, applying paint in loose, energetic brushstrokes that define forms and convey a sense of movement. Imagine Kirchner in his studio, wrestling with the composition, maybe stepping back to consider the balance of the colours and forms. I see him trying to capture a fleeting moment, a sense of unease or tension in the room, a scene that feels both intimate and alienating. I sympathize with his creative struggle. Look how he uses colour. The bright reds and oranges of the walls contrast with the blues of the figures' clothing, creating a discordant harmony. The textures are amazing, aren't they? Each mark, each brushstroke contributes to the overall emotional intensity of the work. The stark angles of the architecture push against the human figures and create a feeling of instability. It reminds me a bit of some of the interiors of Munch. We artists, we're always looking at each other, influencing each other, riffing off each other's ideas.