Express Yourself

Edvard Munch The Cry [the scream] (1893) oil, pastel, and casein on cardboard
3′ 0″ x 2′ 5″ (91 cm x 74 cm) Munch Museum, National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo

Edvard Munch is an artist whose works I chose to place in my gallery because of the interesting purposes and themes behind his works. The Cry (1893), better known to most as “the scream,” has caught the eyes of many over the years. Edvard Munch chose to create this as an expression of his inner feelings. Munch was extremely sensitive to the world, much like that of Vincent Van Gogh. In this particular painting Munch said,

“I stopped and leaned against the balustrade, almost dead with fatigue…”

Munch’s anxiety level when out in public was very high, and his sense of lack of control drove him to the edge each time he was out. The Cry, I feel, is the very depiction of the inward depressed and axiety-ridden state of Munch on a very regular basis. It is also the basis of the 20th century movie, Home Alone, as well as the song “Express Yourself” by Charles Wright and the Watts.

Please listen to the song above for the full affect. The song was part of the soundtrack of the movie “Remember The Titans.”

This famous movie was all about expressing yourself and who you are as a person: white, black, or whatever. Edvard Munch could relate to this song because although he did not sing about his feelings, he expressed them in his art. This piece has vibrant colors and brush work that plays a major role in the feeling of the painting. I have to admit that I sometimes feel anxious like this, and Munch’s depiction of anxiety that can be found in the real world is so evident. It’s real!

I think Edvard Munch’s The Cry is very applicable to what we feel today, and it should not be ignored because of the time period in which it was created. I find it somewhat disturbing and would not want it in my house, but in my gallery for those to come and view, I think it is a great eye-opener for us all. We are not alone. None of us are the only ones who feel the need to express ourselves and who we really are – white, black, anxious, scared, etc. We all need to be reminded of that sometimes. Express yourself!

-Gallery 9310, The Owner