My Moleskine

Pioneers of modern art

Last Monday Margot and I went to visit the Amsterdam Hermitage museum to see the current exposition ‘Matisse to Malevich - pioneers of modern art from the Hermitage’. It features modern art from the 1900-1914 period.

During this period the art itself became the central subject instead of being a vehicle for literally representing reality. Several currents within this movement can be recognized. First, there are Fauvists like Matisse focus on a two dimensional area and colors. Then there are Cubists like Picasso who focus on representing multiple perspectives within one work. Finally, works can be seen from abstract painters such as Malevich. I preferred works from the first two currents.

My favorite painting was by Van Dongen - Lady with Black Hat - that I included below. Afterwards, I found out this painting is used as the expositions calendar cover. Let’s interpret that as a sign of good taste.

Another interesting aspect of the exposition is that it gives an insight into the lives of the collectors Morozow and Shchukin from Moscow and their close relationship with the artists. Basically, their financial and creative support made it possible for artists such as Matisse to become who they were.

I really recommend going to the exposition not least because the museum is situated in a beautifully renovated building at the Amstel in the centre of Amsterdam.