Trailblazers of the Abstract: De Stijl versus Modern Art Circle
28 May 2025 - 6 September 2025
Nieuwe Instituut and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) are jointly organising a ‘dialogue exhibition’ juxtaposing two avant-garde movements: De Stijl, founded in the Netherlands by Theo van Doesburg, and its Antwerp counterpart, the Kring Moderne Kunst [Modern Art Circle], led by Jozef Peeters. The exhibition at the KMSKA highlights both the shared ideals and the differences in visual language between the two art movements.
What the two movements had in common was the belief that an international constructivism would transcend borders and create new communities. Similarly, abstract forms and colours would dissolve the distinctions between art disciplines.
The Antwerp variant – Peeters called it ‘community art’ – never acquired the iconic status of De Stijl. But just like the artists of De Stijl, the Antwerp movement played an important role in the mainly European network of abstract art.
The KMSKA is exhibiting drawings, paintings, architectural designs, graphics and furniture by artists including Theo van Doesburg, Cornelis van Eesteren, J.J.P. Oud, Vilmosz Huszár, Jozef Peeters, Jos Léonard and Huib Hoste. A large number of the works on display come from the collection of the Nieuwe Instituut. The highlight of this loan is Theo van Doesburg’s model for the colour design of the interior of Café Aubette, from 1927.
Meer informatie
The KMSKA website has more information about the exhibition and practical information for visitors.