This is a map of Leyden, the city I lived before I moved to Bonaire, in the style of ‘De Stijl’.

The art and design movement known as ‘De Stijl’ emerged in the Netherlands in 1917. Founded by artists and architects, you might have heard of the names Mondriaan and Rietveld, it was characterized by an abstract, minimalist aesthetic that emphasized geometric forms and primary colors (see below).

I painted this map in 2017/2018 from a poster designed by Jos Agasi in 2007. I used a wooden panel (same plywood I use now for my smaller paintings on wood), attached canvas to it and painted the design on the panel with acryl paint. It took me months!

It turned out to be a great practice for my fine motorskills.

More about ‘De Stijl’

I am a big fan of ‘de Stijl’ and its neo-plasticism philosophy. Neo-plasticism is a fancy way of saying ‘new art’ or ‘new imaging’. The founders of this philosophy, Mondriaan, Doesburg and Rietveld, wanted to strip down the visual representation to their idea of its essence in straight lines, rectangular planes, and primary colors. They sought to express a new utopian ideal of harmony and order.

Some might say, any kid could paint this, but the beauty of it is in the balance of the lines and the colors. That is the reason why I appreciate it so much. As my head is quite chaotic, I appreciate paintings that are balanced, that radiate a sort of harmony or calmness.

Mondrian: “…pure abstract art becomes completely emancipated, free of naturalistic appearances. It is no longer natural harmony but creates equivalent relationships. The realization of equivalent relationships is of the highest importance for life.” (Galenson, David (2006). Artistic Capital. Taylor & Francis. p. 207.)

Title: Tableau I. Oil on canvas. 103 x 100 cm. Signed b.r.: P M 21. Source: Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. Licence: Public domain.