Wim Motz - 1960s - geometric abstract color lithograph "Platz" - signed

• Artist: Wim Motz (1900-1977)
• Title: "Platz"
• Year: 1961
• Technique: color lithography
• Edition: EA copy
• Dimensions (sheet): 50 x 65 cm
• Dimensions (image): 40 x 40 cm
• Signature: signed in pencil
• Condition: very good condition - beautiful fresh colours

Wim MOTZ (Rotterdam 1900 - Rotterdam 1977)
"When I paint, I'm happy." Wim Motz demonstrated enormous productivity throughout his life. His work ethic led him from impressionism to expressionism, from pure abstraction back to recognizable reality. His rebellious nature is revealed in his working method. Wim Motz, a graphic artist as well as a painter, dynamically and passionately applied his subjects to canvas and paper. It wasn't until the age of 37 that Motz, born in Rotterdam, began his career as an artist. He took drawing lessons with Jan van Straten. In Motz, Van Straten found a grateful student who was catching up. His education up until then consisted only of primary school. Several jobs followed. "I worked in a market garden, as a carnival attendant, but also in the mines in Belgium. I was a merchant in the market and later started wallpapering and painting." His unwavering urge to express himself in the visual arts led him to a new life: that of an artist. And not without success. He exhibited in America, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. Van Straten taught him what visual art is. "I initially thought it was about copying, but with him I learned that you have to experience it yourself." Initially, Motz painted untrue, yet easily recognizable scenes, such as harbor and industrial views. He was part of the group "The Four Rotterdammers" for four years (1954-1958). From the figurative and instantly recognizable, he then transitioned to total abstraction. As a member of the "Ara Group," he mastered the technique of lithography. In addition to color lithographs, he also made black-and-white lithographs. He had already mastered the technique of linocuts. By abandoning figuration, Motz was able to devote himself entirely to line and color, the fundamental principles of art. He blossomed into a true emotionalist. With great passion, in an impetuous manner, he placed his subjects on canvas and paper. He used a masonry technique for his paintings. Like his great example, De Sta_l, he applied the paint with a spatula. on the canvas. He was also called the "Painter of Color." Although Motz can be considered an abstract artist, the impressions of the landscape, particularly waterscapes, harbors, and rivers, were his source of inspiration. In the mid-1960s, he returned to figurative art in his work. "I've rediscovered a longing for recognizable forms (...). I want to meet the viewer's needs."
Text: Corien van Eyck van Heslinga