Abstract Modernism

At the end of the Nineteenth Century, innovations in the realm of science, industry and technology provide for a collective notion of progress. The society changes radically in a short period of time, and people go in search of new forms of organisation and expression. 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).

Read more about abstract modernism in Belgium

Collection

Discover the collections of abstract modernism at Mu.ZEE, KMSKA, MSK Gent and Musea Brugge.

Pierre Louis Flouquet, Construction nr. 34

Pure plasticism

Lyrical abstraction

Meditative abstraction

Victor Servranckx, Harbour. Opus 2, 1926, collection MSK Gent, inc.

Geometric abstraction

Walter Leblanc, Torsions (Mobilo static)

Informal art

Typical for the abstract modernists is that they grouped together, published magazines and organised events such as lectures and exhibitions.

Artists groups

Mertens, Phil, La jeine Peinture Belge, 1945-1948. Brussels, Laconti, 1975

La Jeune Peinture Belge

Jozef Peeters, Signpost for an exhibition by 'Moderne Kunst', 1923, collection City of Antwerp, Letterenhuis

Kring Moderne Kunst en Centre d'Art

G 58 / Ekspozeert in Kasteel Middelheim, collection Stad Antwerpen, Letterenhuis

G 58

De Tafelronde

Het Overzicht

7 Arts

Floris Jespers, Ça Ira! (kaft), 1920, collection KMSKA

Tijdschriften | Ca Ira! Revue mensuelle d'art et de critique (1920-1923)

De Driehoek

Art Construit

Jozef Peeters, Poster of the Kongres voor Moderne Kunst, Atheneum Antwerpen, 1922, collection Letterenhuis

The Congresses for Modern Art

Jozef Peeters, Poster lecture by Theo van Doesburg Klassiek, Barok, Modern, 1920, collection Letterenhuis

The lectures by Theo van Doesburg in Belgium

Jules Schmalzigaug, Speed, 1914, collection KMSKA, inv. 2099

The introduction of Modernism in Belgium

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

Thanks to

This thematic page was made in collaboration with various museums and institutions. The texts are written by, among others, expert Sergio Servellón, director of the FeliXart Museum.

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