Wobbe Alkema (1900 - 1984)

Wobbe Alkema

Wobbe Alkema is a Dutch artist, graphic artist, architect, designer and sculptor. He is known for his abstract and geometric works, often combining elements of constructivism and De Stijl.

Alkema was trained as an architect and then turned to art, studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Groningen. In the 1920s he was involved with the artist collective De Ploeg, which was active in the northern Netherlands and promoted modernist art and culture.

Throughout his career, Alkema continued to explore the principles of abstraction and geometry in his work. His paintings often feature simple geometric shapes such as squares, circles and triangles arranged in complex compositions that suggest movement and depth. He was also interested in the interaction of colour, using bright, bold hues to create dynamic contrasts and harmony.

In addition to painting, Alkema created a number of sculptural works, including abstract reliefs and freestanding sculptures. He also designed furniture and other functional objects, applying his principles of abstraction and geometric form to everyday objects.

Alkema's work is held in the collections of several museums in the Netherlands, including the Groninger Museum and the Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum. He is considered an important figure in the development of abstract art in the Netherlands, and his work continues to be admired for its innovative use of form and colour.