From 11 July 2008, the Van Gogh Museum hosts works of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam with two presentations: Malevich (through 9 November 2008) and ‘Druksel prints’ by Werkman (through 12 October 2008).
The presentation of 17 paintings by Kazimir Malevich (1879-1935) on the third floor of the museum include the masterpieces Women Taking in the Rye and Hieratic Suprematist Cross.
The works provide an overview of the Russian artist’s development: from his early work, in which the traces of impressionism and postimpressionism are still clearly apparent, through to the later abstract work. Some of the paintings show an affinity with the world and style of Vincent van Gogh, as can be seen in the farmer figures.
Malevich is best known as a pioneer of geometrical-abstract art. In 1915 he launched his new style, 'Suprematism'. Here geometrical shapes are fully autonomous and the instinctual, mystical experience paramount.
Hendrik Werkman (1882-1945) – Searching for unique effects
Hendrik Nicolaas Werkman was born in Leens, the Netherlands and was a printer and typographer. Werkman was part of the artist group "The Plough" who printed posters, invitations and catalogues.
In 1923-1926 he produced his own avant garde magazine named "The Next Call". Werkman liked to experiment with different print materials.
The Van Gogh Museum shows a cluster of letters from Werkman and his most important art friends on the second floor of the museum.
