Fantasic Flemings - Modernism and our southern neighbours 1885-1960
What do artists such as James Ensor, Emile Claus, Constant Permeke, Gustave de Smet and René Magritte have in common? They all lived and worked in Belgium, between 1885 and 1960, and their work forms part of the collection of modern art of the Groeningemuseum in Bruges. Exceptionally, a substantial part of this collection will be on display from January until mid-May 2011 in the Noordbrabants Museum.
In the 1880’s artistic development in Belgium reached new heights. Brussels became a leading centre for modern art, strongly influenced by developments in Paris The society Les XX, founded by, amongst others, James Ensor, organized a yearly salon. There, the newest works were shown and modern trends introduced.
Flemish expressionism
The dominant movement in Belgian art after the First World War was Flemish expressionism.
This was strongly influenced by German expressionism and by cubism. The painting ‘The lovers in the village’ by Frits Van den Berghe is a good example of the style. A figurative, slightly distorted image, colourful but with darker undertones. Emotions are raw.
For the first time in the Netherlands
Before the Noordbrabants Museum temporarily closes its doors in mid-May 2011 for a complete renovation, the museum presents one last special and atmospheric exhibition. For four months, 50 ‘Fantastic Flemings’ may be admired. Works by famous Belgian modernists, never before exhibited together in the Netherlands!
Works from the Groeningemuseum
The works of art all come from the Groeningemuseum in Bruges. The Groeningemuseum is world famous for its collection of early Flemish masters, but also possess a surprising collection of 19th and early 20th century art. In the exhibition work from several different movements is presented, including luminism, whereby light plays an important role, Flemish expressionism and surrealism, wherein the world of the unconscious is portrayed.
Recent acquisitions
The Groeningemuseum recently acquired six paintings by the famous modernists Rik Wouters, Constant Permeke and Jean Brusselmans. These works are exhibited in the Netherlands for the very first time.
