De Stijl, 1917–1931: Visions of Utopia

This was the first major exhibition in nearly three decades on the influential Dutch movement. Identifying itself as “the Style” (“de Stijl” translated), it encompassed art, architecture, and design and propounded a utopian viewpoint in a magazine of the same title. On view were more than 250 paintings, drawings, architectural maquettes, graphics, and pieces of furniture reflecting de Stijl’s use of primary color and spare geometric forms. Also included were partial reconstructions and models of such de Stijl projects as Piet Mondrian’s Paris atelier, Gerritt Rietveld’s Shroder house, and Theo van Doesberg’s Cafe Aubette.

First presented by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, the exhibition was part of the celebration marking the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between the US and the Netherlands. After closing at the Hirshhorn, the exhibit was divided and shown at two Dutch museums.

Catalogue