Vincent van Gogh - Karel Appel & Van Gogh

Poster: 2011
Vincent Van Gogh House, Zundert
Karel Appel & Van Gogh
20.2 - 05.09.2011

Karel Appel (1921–2006) is one of the most famous Dutch painters of the 20th century, just as Vincent van Gogh was for the previous century. In his own country, he is at least as controversial as his predecessor. As a member of the Cobra group, he often causes a stir and amazement. Only after he makes a name for himself abroad does appreciation for him grow in his homeland. Appel’s famous statement, "I just mess around," is often taken too literally. He paints deliberately spontaneously and expressively, but with a vast knowledge of materials and art history. He thoroughly studies the art of his predecessors, from Mondrian to Picasso, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. The exhibition showcases various periods of Appel’s long painting career, from the early 1940s to the most recent period. The ensemble of works brought together reveals the extent to which he was inspired by the work of Vincent van Gogh at different times. The exhibition Karel Appel & Van Gogh is organized in collaboration with the Karel Appel Foundation and features loans from various museums and private collections.