Expressionism appeared as a sharp reaction to the major processes of the 20th century – the WW I, revolutionary movements and the overall ugliness of cynical non-humanistic capitalism. The generation that survived the war and got really influenced by it, perceived the reality very subjectively, in the light of disappointment, anxiety and fear. The angular, bent lines, fast rough strokes, shouting colours – all of these are the result of the artists’ dissatisfaction with the contradictory and deformed post-war society. The images are very contrasting and touching, as if showing the rebel of artists against the all-bright and not credible enough art of impressionists. Expressionists strive at returning art its spiritual element and charge it with new, diverse senses, seeking to express the very essence of emotional experiences instead of simply reflecting the physical world. The dramatic canvases of Edward Munch and James Ensor just knock you off your feet with its storm of emotions. The style, which indeed was a treasure to discover, developed really rapidly. Today in any part of the world you will be able to find a museum displaying pieces created by expressionist artists, which will amaze you with the immense energy that they carry.