Piet Mondrian - from Dutch landscapes to the master of abstraction.
Known for his geometric compositions of primary colors and straight lines, Mondrian's work revolutionized modern art. Yet his influences were as varied as jazz, fashion, and Dutch traditions.
In this volume of the
Hatje Cantz A-Z series
, author Ulf Küster explores Mondrian's multifaceted career and his cultural impact. From the rhythms of jazz and Foxtrot to Yves Saint Laurent's "Mondrian Dress," this book uncovers the surprising connections between Mondrian's art and the world around him. Compact, insightful, and inspiring - the perfect introduction to a modern art icon.
Highlights
- Beyond abstraction:
Mondrian's journey from landscapes to iconic geometric art.
- Culture meets creativity:
Jazz, fashion, and art in dialogue.
- Engaging and accessible:
Ulf Küster offers fresh perspectives on Mondrian's legacy.
Compact and inspiring art history
The
Hatje Cantz A-Z series
presents the great artists of art history in a compact and engaging format. Each volume offers biographical insights, surprising details, and fascinating perspectives on their work. With its clear structure and handy format, the series is the perfect companion for art enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds alike.
PIET MONDRIAN's (1872-1944) early work was influenced by the Dutch landscape painting of the 19th century. However, it was his strictly abstract geometric compositions that gained the artist world fame. He worked in Paris, London and New York, where he was active in the avant-garde circles of his time.
The art historian ULF KÜSTER (*1966, Stuttgart) has been working at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen | Basel since 2004, where he curates internationally acclaimed exhibitions. He has written numerous publications, among them his text on Louise Bourgeois in the series Art to Read and Edward Hopper A-Z, published by Hatje Cantz.
Pivotal in modern art's move towards abstraction, Piet Mondrian's oeuvre is extraordinarily versatile and complex. Not only did he paint and draw, he also wrote extensively about his thoughts and theories on art and life. Moving from traditional Dutch landscape painting to a pronounced rhythmic framework focusing on compositional structure rather than naturalistic representation, Mondrian was profoundly impressed by contemporary culture. Thus, he was not only inspired by the pattern of the extensive Dutch canal system, but also by the rhythm of jazz and the foxtrot. Demonstrating the impact of his oeuvre, Yves Saint-Laurent's famous "Mondrian Dress" even made him a fashion icon posthumously.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of his birth, Ulf Küster entertainingly leads through well- and lesser-known aspects of Mondrian's life and work offering inspiring impulses for reflection and further engagement with the fascinating artist.
PIET MONDRIAN's (1872-1944) early work was influenced by the Dutch landscape painting of the 19th century. However, it was his strictly abstract geometric compositions that gained the artist world fame. He worked in Paris, London and New York, where he was active in the avant-garde circles of his time.
The art historian ULF KÜSTER (*1966, Stuttgart) has been working at the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen | Basel since 2004, where he curates internationally acclaimed exhibitions. He has written numerous publications, among them his text on Louise Bourgeois in the series Art to Read and Edward Hopper A-Z, published by Hatje Cantz.
