influences from art

Many music videos are heavily influenced by 20th century art movements. Pop art, Expressionism and surrealism are common movements seen in promos.

Expressionism :
Expressionism is an art movement which first became popular in Germany post WW1. The art its self often distorts images with sharp angles and dark shadows. Expressionist art has a strong emotional and psychological meaning which is shown through the style.

An example of a music promo who has taken influence form expressionism is 'Otherside-red hot chili peppers'

The video uses lots of dark colours which creates shadows and creates the illusion that some shots are in black and white. Buildings are used to show sharp angles and create a distorted view. There are lots of bold dark lines included in shadows and images which relate to expressionism further.

Surrealism:
Surrealism art is very unrealistic images created by altering objects and swapping parts of images. Surrealism is often described as dreamlike imagery. Famous artist such as Salvador Dali was hugely responsible for the popularity of the movement in Spain and France in the 1920's.
An example of surrealism used in music videos is 'Kids-MGMT'.

The video shows many unrealistic situations with monsters and a child which could be a dream. The video also uses cartoon animations of a range of surreal images which link together.

Pop art:
pop art is much more contemporary as it became popular in the 50's, due to artists such as Andy Warhol. Pop art images are bold bright and big. They use large blocks of colour and simple shapes unlike traditional fine art.
An example of pop art used in music promos is 'Rude boy- Rhianna'

The video uses brightly coloured clothing, hair and makeup as a base to the pop art style. The video then goes on to use effects which create brightly coloured shapes, backgrounds and colour overlays which further emphasize the pop art culture.