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Expressionism is an artistic movement characterized by the distortion and exaggeration of form to convey emotional experience, rather than physical reality. It emerged in Europe at the turn of the 20th century as a reaction against impressionism, and sought to express subjective emotions and inner experiences through bold colors, intense brushwork, and fragmented compositions. Expressionist artists were interested in exploring the human psyche, often depicting dreamlike or fantastical scenes that defied conventional logic and realism. This is evident in the surrealist works of Salvador Dali, which are characterized by their bizarre, irrational imagery and distorted perspectives. Expressionism had a profound impact on modern art, influencing movements such as abstract expressionism and neo-expressionism. At its core, expressionism is about communicating the artist's inner world, rather than representing external reality, making it a powerful tool for expressing emotion and exploring the human condition.