The effect of existentialist philosophy on 20th century painting in the context of space and figure

Existentialism has gained importance as an active philosophical movement in the late 19th and 20th centuries. This philosophical term, which came to the fore after the World War II, focused on human existence against the traditional philosophy with the view that essence comes before existence. In the world where people live, considering that it is proportional to the basis of its relationship with the world, the conditions of the 20th century adversely affected this support and paved the way for possible crises. Existentialism has played an active role in the questioning of the meaning of life with the uneasiness caused by wars while capitalism, industry and technology were advancing, and the socio-economic situation of the world. In addition to philosophy, it also influenced the sense of art of the period, such as literature, theater and painting. Although the reflection of existentialism on the art of painting was not seen in the transparency reflected in philosophy and literature, it provided a terminology that served the needs of the painters to create their own personal expression; it has contributed conceptually as a philosophical inspiration that influences works, without being bound by an artistic trend. In this direction, it has influenced the works of artists by questioning the meaning of life and revealing them in the way they perceive. The effects of Surrealism were seen in the figurative art which was one of the common expressions after the World War II, besides abstract art. These existential influences appear in relation to the place where the figure is located, as well as the figure depicted. In the studies conducted in the scope of the thesis, unrest, anxiety, hopelessness, apprehension of being human and human loneliness are presented in a figurative manner through postures reflecting on body form.