Just before the end of the war, the group Kring Moderne Kunst (Modern Art Circle) is established in Antwerp. Antwerp artists assemble themselves to better embrace the social needs. Other groups such as Clarté and Lumière follow suit, but the Kring Moderne Kunst distinguishes itself by way of an outspoken evolution towards Abstract Art and Constructivism. The manifesto of the Moderne Kunst circle is published in Vlaamsch Leven on 20 Octobert 1918. In addition to Jozef Peeters as the secretary, other founding members are Edmond Van Dooren, Jos Leonard and Jan Cockx. An important show of force is inviting De Stijl frontman Theo Van Doesburg to deliver various lectures. These lectures shall accelerate the development of Abstract Art in Belgium.
Peeters and the members of the Kring Moderne Kunst organise three important conferences in 1920 and 1922. Above all, the 2nd Conference for Modern Art in Antwerp is a radical event for the Belgian, modernistic art scene. It is the first occasion whereby the Belgian avant-garde exhibits within an international context. The international participation is impressive with the delegation from the group affiliated with the publication Der Sturm, with Alexander Archipenko (1887 - 1964), Paul Klee (1879 - 1940) and Kurt Schwitters (1887 - 1948), among others, as well as the Italian Futurist Giacomo Balla (1871 - 1958).
