Tate Modern – Van Doesburg & the International Avant-Garde: Constructing a New World

Tate Modern – Van Doesburg & the International Avant-Garde: Constructing a New World (February 4 – May 16 2010)
4 out of 5

February at the Tate Modern seems to be all about reassessing new directions in thinking and art – an elegant choice for the spring season. This exhibition includes a number of works by various artists that participated in the Avant-Garde movement of the early 1900s, with a particular focus on the work of Theo van Doesburg. A veritable smorgasborg of geometric abstraction, the show is overwhelmed with angles, sharp lines and a refusal to paint anything that looks too natural.

The exhibition starts of slowly, gently introducing the viewer to the work and life of van Doesburg. An artist wearing many hats as a painter, designer, writer and editor, van Doesburg’s rejection of the past and hope for the future becomes increasingly evident through what is on display. But despite the quality of his work, it is easy to get too complacent about van Doesburg’s talent as an artist and a visionary of his time. Room 6 is where the exhibition really makes an impact with the viewer, presenting insightful quotes by the artist alongside his paintings. From Dadaism to nothingness and the art of the proletariat, van Doesburg’s words set the background for his inspiration. His own words place a much needed context around his work unlike any dry explanation can and offer a fascinating insight into his mind.
Room 9 is one of the highlights of the exhibition. A nice change from the ascetic white walls of the other rooms, this space combines van Doesburg’s paintings with his work as an architect and designer. Sadly, the last rooms do not build up from that point, but are merely consistent with the quality of work shown beforehand. Overall, an excellent show for a great artist whose words will echo in your ear long after memories of his paintings have disappeared.