Modern Dutch Design (1890-1940)
The Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach is presenting the exhibition ‘Modern Dutch Design (1890-1940)’, an examination of innovative design from the Netherlands between 1890 and 1940.
Showcasing selections from The Wolfsonian’s world-renowned collection of Dutch decorative arts and works on paper in addition to loans from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, ‘Modern Dutch Design’ will provide an interesting basic chronology of “Dutch style” during its most influential period. After beginning with Nieuwe Kunst’s flat, geometric, stylized motifs adapted from batik from the Dutch East Indies, the exhibition then explores two rival avant-garde stylistic movements: The Amsterdam School (with more ornate, sculptural elements) and De Stijl (featuring a minimalist palette of primary colors), which opened the way to Nieuwe Bouwen (New Building), the Dutch branch of Functionalism.
From low-income housing plans to luxurious ocean liners and Bensdorp chocolate ads, Modern Dutch Design reflects design’s mark on all aspects of Dutch life in this time—the public, private, and commercial spheres alike.
Exhibition ‘Modern Dutch Design (1890-1940)’
The Wolfsonian – Florida International University
1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
until June 11, 2017
www.wolfsonian.org
Photos: Lynton Gardiner and courtesy of The Wolfsonian–FIU, Miami Beach FL