Intensely Dutch: Image, Abstraction and the Word

I wasn’t sure what to really expect from this show at first... For some reason, I hadn’t followed any of the publicity, but, I did anticipate something slightly different to the generalist ‘masters’ shows the Art Gallery so often pushes on to the public. I’m glad my suspicions were correct. I couldn’t help a huge sigh at the entry as I peered through to the first room filled with abstract expressionism. There’s nothing like a really thick, roughly gestured, slab, of paint smeared over a canvas to get my blood pumping! (Well...maybe that’s just me)

Vigorously animated, child-like and primitive, the selection of canvases, portfolios and lithographs exemplify the vitality of the modernist Dutch painters joined in expressing a new optimism post WWII. Early works by the artists of the CoBrA movement, such as Karel Appel, Jaap Nanninga and Constant are bright and energetic, but amongst all the rough edges and flurry of brush marks, the subjects depict innocence and sincerity. My favourite painting, Animal Tamer, 1984 by Lucebert was a beautiful mix of an untidy and grotesque assemblage of teeth and eyes, together with playful and endearing expressions. Most of the works of the 1970s-80s were abstracted and restrained landscapes, but were still truly expressionistic with the heavy impasto finishing. From the instantly recognisable Wilem De Kooning to artists such as Jaap Wagemaker, Bram Bogart and Jan Shoonhoven the exhibition shows the continued style and gusto of the movement through their geometric and sculptural approach to building up the surface of the canvas. Even in the uber-abstracted styles their works are just as emotional and sensual as their CoBrA predecessors.

If you’re into a liberal use of paint like I am, you should enjoy the overall visceral ‘messiness’ of this genre of painting and be prepare to have your emotions stirred. The curator, Hendrik Kolenberg, has cleverly compiled this retrospective of painting and poetry with honesty and wit; successfully revealing some eccentric and surprising elements you’d expect from the Dutch.

Art Gallery of New South Wales
5 June - 23 August 2009
Open every day, 10am - 5pm
Free admission, special exhibition fees apply

Art Gallery Road,
The Domain Sydney NSW 2000,
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/