gottlieb – FTN-blog

The year is 1958, …the curator Willem Sandberg. The exhibition JONG AMERIKA SCHILDERT, organized by the Stedelijk Museum together with the Museum Of Modern Art,

This is arguably Sandberg his most important exhibition, because this was for the years to come the foundation under all Stedelijk Museum Exhibitions. The artists list now reads like an all time greatest list with many of them record breaking artists. Not only in auction results, but certainly with the total number of exhibition visitors. Just some of the now very famous names who were not that well known in those days. Pollock, Newman, Rothko, de Kooning and Kline are now among the most appreciated artists ever and all were in this one exhibition. Willem Sandberg wrote history with this exhibition and what makes the catalogue even more worth wile is not only the typical Sandberg design but the special art by Pollock and Gottlieb which is used for the cover. This catalogue is available at www.ftn-books.com

amerika schildert cc

Schermafbeelding 2018-01-30 om 10.48.57

Since the early eighties i admire Geer van Velde. When i first entered our offices at the Gemeentemuseum, there was original art on the wall . Chosen by employees of the Gemeentemuseum the painting on the wall of our offices was an original large painting by Geer van Velde.

Geer van Velde was Bram van Velde’s younger brother they differ 3 years in age but their art differs even far more. Both influenced by fellow artists also living in Paris, Geer became known for his paintings winning Prizes and being admitted into the Salon des Independants . He is considered to be a member of the Ecole de Paris. The works by Geer van Velde are highly recognizable being abstract but still showing some realism in them. The use of color?? subdued not the bright colors his brother is known for. They come from the same nest but their works could not be more different .

Where Geer was known and admired is his early years, the case with Bram was totally different. It is now since 30 years that the works by Bram are more admired. They are “classic” made in the 50’s , 60’s and 70’s, but study them closely and you will sense that they belong in the present. These are bold and highly sensitive paintings. Both these van Velde brothers have their qualities, but maybe, in the long run, i prefer Geer.

There are Geer van Velde publications available at www.ftn-books.com

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