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Why is "The Scream" screaming? - Noah Charney

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TEDEd Animation

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An undulating sky melds into the landscape, two silhouettes move along a balustraded walkway, and a ghostly figure’s features extend in agony. Since Norwegian artist Edvard Munch created "The Scream" in 1893, it’s become one of the world’s most famous artworks. But why has its cry traveled so far and endured so long? Noah Charney shares the inspiration behind the dramatic and haunting masterpiece.

Would you say that in order to create a moving and emotionally meaningful work of art, the artist has to have suffered in some way? Many have posited this, and Munch seems to be a case in point, but what do you think?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Noah Charney
  • Director Martina Meštrović
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Composer Hrvoje Nikšić
  • Sound Designer Hrvoje Nikšić
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Cella Wright

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