Painting The Scream - Essay Example

The sky and the landscape stand in contrast to each other, depicting how these emotions are all present inside us, creating inner conflict and tension.

The straight lines and dull brown and gray colors of the bridge are the only stable and uniform parts of the painting. Yet even this bridge isn’t safe for it’s surrounded by the anxiety all around nature, gradually becoming a part of the chaotic feelings. For example, the red and golden light from the sky vividly reflects off of the railings showing how every place is touched by such fear and panic. The figure is almost as curvy as the lines of the landscape as if it is being sucked in by all the strong feelings and being absorbed by them. Also, the fact that the figure isn’t represented as either a male or female shows how these feelings are a part of all of us regardless of gender. The face is devoid of any hair or accessories, instead, it is stripped down to its most basic form, a gray skull expressing the horror all around. The black lines of the clothing are melting into the bridge becoming a part of the environment, unable to escape. Munch has painted the figure at the forefront, almost walking off the bridge and towards the viewer. With the dark red and angry sky swirling above a cold, blue landscape, we can practically hear the agonizing scream. Munch skillfully uses color, form, and lines to bring out the expressive array of human emotions allowing all viewers to get in touch with their inner turmoil of feelings.