Mondrian to Dutch Design - Theme year: 100th anniversary of De Stijl
Mondrian to Dutch Design Theme year: 100th anniversary of De Stijl
In 2017, it will be the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Dutch artistic movement called ‘De Stijl’ (The Style). Established in 1917 in the Netherlands with founding members Piet Mondrian (born Mondriaan) and Theo van Doesburg, it was originally a magazine, which published Mondrian’s theories on art but it grew into a wider art movement that widely influenced modern architecture, design and fashion. Over the past 25 years, the desire to modernise design and art that characterised De Stijl has been carried forward under the banner of Dutch Design. To celebrate the anniversary, NBTC Holland Marketing, together with its partners, has declared 2017 as the Mondrian to Dutch Design theme year.
The Van Abbemuseum organises four exhibitions and a variety of activities in context of this theme year. Activities like guided tours, lectures, De Stijl themed Childrens Art Clubs and musical evenings are part of the public programme.
In addition, museum shop has a wide range of books about the movement and design items inspired by De Stijl. Or try a De Stijl salad or a refreshing Mondrian beer in the museumcafé.
Exhibitions:
- 20.4 – 28.07.2017: 100th anniversary De Stijl: Lissitzky and Oud in Dialogue. Library exhibition.
- 17.06 – 31.12.2017: Van Abbe and De Stijl.
- 01.09 – 11.11.2017: 100th anniversary De Stijl: Playing with Letters. Library exhibition.
- 21.11.2017 – 10.02.2018: 100th anniversary De Stijl: Echoes Library exhibition.
Van Abbe and De Stijl Programme
Activities
- Listening evening: The Mondrian Machine: Thu June, 19.00 - 21.00 hrs.
Frank de Munnik takes you on a tour through the music history made by and with machines. From the first experiments – the music machine Mondrian was search for during the 20s – to completely digitally made music. From Léon Theremin and Sgt. Pepper to Kraftwerk and Ryoji Ikeda.
- De Stijl concert Menschen-Worte: Sun 11 June, 14.00 – 16.00 hrs.
Menschen-Worte is a theatrical concert geïnspired by Dadaism and De Stijl. Astrid Kruisselbrink made a composition using texts of Hans Arp.
- Lecture 100 years De Stijl: Sat 17 June, 15.00 - 16.00 hrs
As part op the opening of the exhibition Van Abbe and De Stijl art historian Erna Charbon gives a lecture that allows you to discover how world famous artists like Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg expressed their controversial ideas about art and society.
- De Stijl Children’s Art Club: every first Saturday of the month, as from July.
During Van Abbe and De Stijl the Children’s Art club is De stijl themed on every first Saturday of the month. For more information and registration, click on the dates: 1 July, 2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December, from 14.00 till 16.00 hrs. Costs: €6 per child.
- De Stijl tours: every second Sunday of the month, as from July.
There will be free De Stijl tours of Van Abbe and De Stijl, as well as the library exhibition, on every second Sunday of the month. Dates: 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, 8 October, 12 November, 10 December, from 12.00 till 13.00 hrs. Please sign up at the cash register.
- Lectures: A Van Abbe and De Stijl triptych
Autumn 2017, more information will follow.
- De Stijl Composition Workshop
Autumn 2017, more information will follow.
- De Stijl duo tours: on request
Besides the guided tours we have programmed for this anniversary, we also offer De Stijl guided tours on request. During these duo tours two of our guides will guide you through the museum, and will discuss the artists and the historical context of this art movement. They will explore, for instance, the characters of the artists, their fights, their interests, and will use all kinds of materials to illustrate their stories: from poetry and film to music and archive material.
The tours lasts an hour and a half, and cost €140,- excluding the museum entrance.
