A Guide To De Stijl: 10 Things To Know
1. What is De Stijl?
De Stijl, meaning “The Style” in Dutch, was an influential art movement that emerged in the early 20th century. It originated in the Netherlands and aimed to create a universal visual language through a radical reduction of form and color. Founded in 1917 by artists Theo van Doesburg and Piet Mondrian, De Stijl sought to break away from traditional artistic conventions and embrace a new aesthetic based on simple geometric shapes, primary colors, and asymmetry. It encompassed various art forms, including painting, architecture, furniture design, typography, and graphic design.
2. Principles of De Stijl
De Stijl was guided by a set of principles that governed its artistic creations. These principles emphasized abstraction, simplification, and the pursuit of universal harmony. Artists aimed to reduce their work to its essence, eliminating all extraneous elements and focusing solely on the visual elements of line, shape, and color. They sought to achieve a sense of balance and equilibrium through the use of straight lines, horizontal and vertical compositions, and primary colors. By avoiding any reference to the natural world, De Stijl artists aimed to create art that was timeless, universal, and objective.
3. The Pioneering Artists of De Stijl
Several pioneering artists played a significant role in the development and promotion of De Stijl. Piet Mondrian, with his famous grid-like paintings composed of black vertical and horizontal lines intersecting with rectangles of primary colors, became one of the most iconic figures associated with the movement. Gerrit Rietveld, a prominent architect and furniture designer, created the iconic Red and Blue Chair, showcasing De Stijl principles in three-dimensional form. Other notable artists involved in the movement included Theo van Doesburg, Bart van der Leck, Vilmos Huszár, and J.J.P. Oud.
4. The Impact on Architecture and Design
De Stijl had a profound impact on architecture and design. Rejecting the excessive ornamentation of the past, De Stijl architects aimed to create functional, minimalist, and geometrically precise buildings. They favored open floor plans, flat roofs, and large expanses of glass, seeking to provide light and space in their designs. The Schroder House by Gerrit Rietveld is a prime example of De Stijl architecture, with its use of primary colors, horizontal and vertical lines, and modular construction.
5. Influence on Modern Graphic Design
De Stijl also had a significant influence on modern graphic design. The simple geometric forms, bold primary colors, and asymmetric compositions of De Stijl artworks inspired a new approach in typography and poster design. The movement’s emphasis on clarity and legibility greatly influenced the modernist graphic design movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Designers such as Jan Tschichold and El Lissitzky incorporated De Stijl principles into their work, paving the way for modern graphic design as we know it today.
6. Notable De Stijl Works
Several remarkable artworks encapsulate the essence of De Stijl. Piet Mondrian’s “Composition with Red, Yellow, and Blue” exemplifies his iconic style of vertical and horizontal lines intersected by primary colored rectangles. Gerrit Rietveld’s Red and Blue Chair, with its stark geometric design and primary color accents, remains an iconic piece of furniture design. Theo van Doesburg’s painting “Simultaneous Counter-Composition” showcases his exploration of color, shape, and rhythm within the De Stijl framework.
7. The Influence on Contemporary Art
The impact of De Stijl extends beyond its initial era, influencing many contemporary artists. The movement’s emphasis on simplicity, abstraction, and the reduction of form continues to resonate in various art practices today. Artists such as Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, and Donald Judd have incorporated De Stijl principles into their work, paying homage to the movement’s enduring influence.
8. Museums and Exhibitions
To fully appreciate the art and design of De Stijl, visiting museums and exhibitions dedicated to the movement are highly recommended. The Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, Netherlands, houses the world’s largest collection of Mondrian’s works and provides a comprehensive overview of De Stijl. The Centraal Museum in Utrecht and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam also display notable collections related to the movement.
9. Further Readings and Resources
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of De Stijl, here are some useful resources and readings:
– “De Stijl 1917-1931: Visions of Utopia” by Mildred Friedman
– “Piet Mondrian: Life and Work” by Francois Gray and Christopher Green
– “Gerrit Rietveld: A Life in Design” by Ida van Zijl and Gerard Hadders
10. Exploring De Stijl Online
For a visual exploration of De Stijl artworks and related information, the following online resources are highly recommended:
– The Official Website of De Stijl: www.destijl.eu
– The Gemeentemuseum’s De Stijl Collection: www.gemeentemuseum.nl/en/collection/de-stijl
– Google Arts & Culture De Stijl Collection: artsandculture.google.com/project/de-stijl
De Stijl represents an essential chapter in modern art and design history, challenging traditional paradigms and embracing a radical vision of simplicity and universal harmony. Exploring the works and principles of De Stijl offers a fascinating journey into the foundation of modern aesthetics.
