Flemish Expressionism

Frits Van den Berghe, The Idiot by the Pond, 1926, Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent

Flemish Expressionism, also referred to as Belgian Expressionism, was one of the dominant art styles in Flanders during the interbellum. Influenced by artists like James Ensor and the early works of Vincent van Gogh, it was a distinct contemporary of German Expressionism.[1] Contrary to the more rebellious and erotic nature of many German Expressionist works, the Flemish art of the School of Latem was more oriented towards the farming life, and was expressed in earthy colours and vigorous brushwork.[1] It was also in general more oriented towards France and Brussels than to Germany, and incorporated elements of Fauvism and Cubism, for example the interest in "primitive" art, of both the ethnic and folk traditions.[2] Flemish Expressionists like Spilliaert were more influenced by Ensor and Symbolism, or like Wouters were closer to the vibrant colours used by the Fauvists. The main proponents were Gust De Smet, Constant Permeke and Frits Van den Berghe.[3]

  1. ^ a b Cygelman, Adele (December 1986). "Flemish Expressionism". Orange Coast Magazine.
  2. ^ Brooker, Peter (2013). The Oxford Critical and Cultural History of Modernist Magazines: Europe 1880 - 1940. Oxford University Press. p. 354. ISBN 9780199659586.
  3. ^ Elias, Willen (5 October 2012). "Het Vlaams expressionisme" (in Dutch). Aspecten van de Belgische kunst na '45. Retrieved 30 March 2018.