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Project

The World Wars and the rise of abstract art movements in Belgium (1917-1958)

The aim of my research is to identify the relationship between the cultural-political climate of the World Wars and the nascency of the abstract art movements in Belgium. Both World Wars had a specific geopolitical context and led to different, delineated cultural-political initiatives.

In my analysis I first evaluate the impact of the progressive movement within the Flemish Movement on the first generation of abstract art with the aspirations for a 'Community art'. Secondly I want to reflect on the role of the American programs for the reconstruction of Europe after the Second World War. I will look specifically to the political role of the 'Americanization of Modernism' on the introduction of abstract art in Belgium.

As a first research activity I will look critically at the general and specialized press of both periods and to the correspondence and archives of the cultural popes, authors and editors to explore the development of abstract art in Belgium. Important attention will be given to the political archives relating to cultural programs, the organization of modern art exhibitions or art events. The role of the networks around public patronage is also discussed extensively.

This cultural-historical research is complementary to a more classical art-historical analysis and examines the place of art and the art practice, from the very specific phenomenon of abstract art, as part of social development.

Date:8 Jan 2019 →  8 Jan 2023
Keywords:Interbellum, Cultural History, Abstract Art
Disciplines:Cultural history
Project type:PhD project