Pastöse

Pastöse is a German term that is defined as a style of art, architecture, and design that emerged in the early 20th century. The term is often associated with the German word "pastos", which means "thick" or "impasto". This style is characterized by the use of bold, vibrant colors and thick layers of paint or other materials to create a textured and three-dimensional effect.

The term Pastöse was first used in the 1910s to describe the works of German Expressionist artists such as Alexander Kanoldt and Franz Radziwill. These artists used Pastöse to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in their paintings, often depicting everyday scenes and landscapes in a highly stylized and exaggerated manner.

In addition to its use in art, the term Pastöse has also been applied to architecture and design. After World War I, the Pastöse style became popular in German architecture, influencing the design of buildings and other structures. This style is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, bold colors, and a focus on functionality.

Pastöse was also influential in the development of German Expressionism in literature and poetry. Writers such as Franz Marc and the bildungsroman novels of the 1920s showcased this style, emphasizing the emotional and visceral qualities of language.

Throughout the 20th century, Pastöse continued to influence art and design in Germany and beyond. Its emphasis on bold colors, textures, and three-dimensional effects has made it a lasting and recognizable style in art history.

As an art movement, Pastöse highlights an emphasis on the significance of an artistic technique that simplifies an element in an arrangement to show texture, taint intensity.