Writers Belgium
Marc Eemans was a Belgian painter, poet and art historian, one of the pioneers of constructivist abstraction.
In 1925, Eemans joined the Surrealist artists Dali and Magritte, with whom he held joint exhibitions. And soon the poet's fame eclipsed his success as a painter. In 1930, Eemans made his debut as a poet in Vergeten te worden: 10 lijnvormen, beïnvloed Door 10 woordvormen. Influenced by Symbolism, he calls his poetry "gnostic surrealism". In 1938 he publishes a collection of poems, Visioen Woli, and others.
His artistic and political stance during World War II led to a break with Magritte and others.
In addition to poetry collections, Eemans wrote essays on a variety of subjects, including modern painting and architecture.
Philips Galle was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.
As a resident of Antwerp, Galle witnessed numerous events of the Eighty Years War, notably the siege and looting of the town in 1576 by the Spaniards, called "The Spanish Fury". This rather personal book, which was translated in several languages soon after its first publication, shows Galle as a peace-loving person who intended to stay far away from the political and military turmoil of his era.
Jan Baptist Huysmans was a Belgian orientalist painter, traveler and writer.
After graduating from the Antwerp Academy, Jan Baptist Huysmans traveled extensively. During his long and prolific artistic career he visited Greece, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Algeria. These travels resulted in numerous sketches and studies, sketches, paintings and memoirs by the artist, who was fascinated by the culture and landscapes of the countries he saw.
In addition to genre paintings of Eastern life, the artist created religious compositions for churches in Jerusalem and decorative panels for church and municipal buildings in Belgian cities.
Huysmans lived most of his professional life in Paris and exhibited in France, England, and Scotland. He also published several illustrated books about his travels, notably Travels in Italy and the East in 1856-1857.
Benjamin Katz is a contemporary German artist, photographer and actor of Belgian origin.
He is known mainly for his photographs of artistic and cultural events. From 2006-2008, he taught photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf. He has participated in a number of international exhibitions.
Amédée Ernest Lynen, who often signed his works Am. Lynen, was a Belgian painter, illustrator and writer. In 1880, he was one of the founders of the artistic group L'Essor after it had separated from the academy, and he co-founded its successor Pour l'Art in 1892. In 1895, he founded the "Compagnie du Diable-au-corps", an artistic association which organised evenings with theatre and poetry, and which existed at least until 1899. It also published a satirical newspaper, Le Diable au Corps. In 1903, two works on paper were bought by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. In 1930, a retrospective of his works was organised by the Cercle Artistique et Littéraire in the Vauxhall, Brussels.
Henri Michaux is a French poet and artist associated with Surrealism and the post-war avant-garde movement.
Michaux's early artistic endeavours revolved around writing and poetry. In his poetry he explored themes of existentialism, spirituality and the human condition, often experimenting with language and form. His writing style was characterised by introspection, the exploration of consciousness and the search for meaning.
In 1925, after a Surrealist exhibition he saw in Paris, Henri Michaux began to paint and draw. His visual arts encompassed a wide range of styles and techniques. Michaux experimented with ink, watercolour and oil paintings, creating evocative and energetic compositions. His works often conveyed a sense of movement, rhythm and spontaneity and were influenced by the aesthetics of calligraphy and gesticulation.
Jean Milo, real name Emile van Gindertael, is a Belgian writer, painter and gallery owner.
The artist's work reflects his evolution from refined impressionism to pure abstraction. Influenced by French Cubism, Milo simplified forms in still lifes and interiors, but continued to paint dynamic Impressionist interiors and cityscapes. Jean Milo was director of the Belgian gallery Le Centaure, and in 1952 he helped found the group Art abstrait.
Victor Servranckx was a Belgian artist renowned for his pioneering contributions to abstract painting and design. Born in Diegem in 1897, Servranckx's artistic journey commenced at the Brussels Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where his studies spanned from 1913 to 1917. It was here he forged a significant connection with René Magritte, leading to their collaborative work "Pure Art: A Defence of the Aesthetic" in 1922.
Victor Servranckx's art is distinguished by its embrace of cubism, constructivism, and surrealism, showcasing a dynamic interplay of geometric forms and innovative design principles. His artistic endeavors were not confined to painting alone; he delved into abstract sculpture and collage, contributing significantly to various art magazines and influencing future generations of artists.
Noteworthy is Victor Servranckx's international recognition, evidenced by his participation in exhibitions across Europe and the United States. His works were exhibited alongside notable figures like Marcel Duchamp and Fernand Léger, highlighting his importance in the art world. Despite a mixed reception in Belgium, his influence endured, culminating in a retrospective at the Musée d'Ixelles shortly before his death in 1965.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Servranckx's oeuvre represents a vital chapter in the history of abstract art, offering a window into the evolving artistic trends of the early 20th century. His works, such as "Opus 17-1922" and "Opus 30-1922 (Factory)," are emblematic of his innovative approach and are held in high regard in collections worldwide, including the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
If Victor Servranckx's artistic vision resonates with you, consider staying updated on exhibitions and auction events featuring his works. Subscribing to updates will ensure you're informed about new opportunities to explore and acquire pieces by this influential artist.
Michel Seuphor, born Fernand Berckelaers in Borgerhout, Belgium, on March 10, 1901, was a seminal figure in the avant-garde art movement, best recognized for his contributions as a Belgian painter, writer, and art critic. Seuphor's adoption of an anagram of Orpheus as his pseudonym underscores his deep connection to the arts, symbolizing a bridge between the world of the living and the artistic underworld. He was pivotal in establishing the literary magazine Het Overzicht in Antwerp in 1921, marking his initial foray into avant-garde circles and showcasing his commitment to fostering artistic innovation.
Seuphor's move to Paris in 1925 signified a major shift in his career, where he became deeply involved with the abstract art movement. His creation of the first abstract drawings between 1926 and 1928, and his collaboration with notable artists like Piet Mondrian, underscored his evolving artistic vision. Seuphor's founding of the Cercle et Carré (Circle and Square) group in 1930 with Joaquín Torres-García was a testament to his leadership and vision in promoting abstract art, drawing members such as Jean Arp and Le Corbusier.
Throughout his life, Seuphor authored pivotal works on abstract painting and sculpture, significantly influencing the documentation and understanding of 20th-century abstract art. His books, including "A Dictionary of Abstract Painting" and "The Sculpture of this Century," remain crucial texts for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Seuphor's legacy extends beyond his writings to include a significant collection of contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Marcelle Cahn and Victor Vasarely, illustrating his role not just as a theorist and critic but also as a collector and patron of the arts.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Seuphor's life and work offer a fascinating glimpse into the development of abstract art in the 20th century. His contributions to the field through his artistic practice, critical writing, and patronage underscore the enduring impact of his vision.
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