Abstract Modernism

The website 'Abstract Modernism' tells the story of the pioneers of Abstract Art in the first half of the Twentieth Century up to the end of the 1970’s. In the spirit of a quest for the new, Modernism in art sees the light. This Modernism results in one of the most important developments in art since the Renaissance: Abstract Art. Abstract Modernism in Belgium experiences a complex development with many twists and plot developments.

Various abstract movements develop with a new language of imagery, in which form, colour and line are central.

Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Het Overzicht: half maandelijks tijdschrift (voor) kunst, letteren, mensheid (kaft), MSK Gent, inv. II-B-401-1925-05-06-kaft - © SABAM Belgium 2021

At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, the historical avant-garde is relatively undervalued, but the Abstract Art in the period after the Second World War grows into a dominant art form. Also in Belgium the first generation, that of the Pure Plasticism, with people such as Marthe Donas, Georges Vantonglerloo and Jozef Peeters, must proceed without the recognition that they deserve. Only with the uprising of a next generation does Abstract Modernsim receive any recognition in Belgium. Jo Delahaut, Maurice Wyckaert and many others receive the support that the first generation, languishing between Flemish Expressionism and Surrealism, lacked.

One of the new visual languages is geometric abstraction. It is the reasoned and socially engaged art that is indebted to geometry. From this, painters base themselves on the experiments of Cubism and Futurism, inter alia. The German Bauhaus, which is influenced by Russian Constructivism and the Dutch De Stijl, determines then the visage of architecture as well.

In addition to geometric abstraction, the lyrical abstraction originates: a free, emotionally-laden form in contrast to the delineated geometric forms. Automatism and individual freedom are thus guiding principles here. Lyrical abstraction knows of many manifestations: from the colour-rich art of Vasili Kandinsky (1866 - 1944), covering Expressionism, the Dada movement and Surrealism to the American Abstract Expressionism of Jackson Pollock (1912 - 1956).

History

The most important artists are highlighted in the 'history' section. Eleven of them are discussed with an extensive biography, in which their place in the course of Belgian abstract modernism is outlined. Typical for the abstract modernists is that they grouped together, published magazines and organised events such as lectures and exhibitions. That aspect of abstract modernism is also explored on the website.

Read more about the live and work of the abstract modernists

Collection

The website presents approximately 800 works of art from Flemish public collections, which are made accessible through various search queries. The website shows the collections of nine institutions: KMSKA, MSK Gent, Musea Brugge (Groeninge Museum), FeliXart Museum, Mu.ZEE Ostend, Letterenhuis, Middelheimmuseum, M Leuven and the Museum van Deinze en de Leiestreek.

Discover the collection

Jules Schmalzigaug, Dynamic expression of the movement of a dancer — CC0, photo AD-Art

Luc Peire, Cadaques — © SABAM Belgium 2021

Georges Vantongerloo, Construction dans la sphère 2 (Constructie in the Sphere 2) — © SABAM Belgium 2021, image artinflanders.be, photo Dominique Provost

Antoon Marstboom, Composition in red — © SABAM Belgium 2021, image artinflanders.be, photo Hugo Maertens

Serge Largot, Composition nr. 37 — © SABAM Belgium 2021, image artinflanders.be, photo Hugo Maertens

Jos Léonard, Landscape with houses — © SABAM Belgium 2021, photo AD-Art

Walter Leblanc, Torsions, 1969, M Museum Leuven, polyvinyl, wood, 60 cm x 60 cm, inv. Cera_0120 - © SABAM Belgium 2021, photo Philippe Debeerst

Sources and research

The 'sources and research' section highlights, among other things, the current archival situation. An exemplary list gives an idea of the archival state of affairs.

Collaboration

www.abstractmodernisme.be is a collaboration of the Flemish Art Collection with various museums and institutions. The texts are written by, among others, expert Sergio Servellón, director of the FeliXart Museum.

CC0, photo AD-Art

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Jules Schmalzigaug, Dynamic expression of the movement of a dancer

Jules Schmalzigaug, Dynamic expression of the movement of a dancer, 1914, Mu.ZEE, oil on canvas, 105 cm x 94 cm, inv. K000930

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