Nieuwenhuys, Constant | Composition, 1982 — available on Composition Gallery

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This artwork is framed, and can't be shipped - in case of a purchase, it can be picked up in Belgium (West Flanders)

Composition by Constant Nieuwenhuys is an etching that demonstrates the artist's exploration of abstracted human forms and dynamic line work. This piece features two figures rendered in delicate, almost sketch-like lines, which convey a sense of movement and spontaneity. The figures seem engaged in an ambiguous interaction, with one figure seated and the other standing, possibly engaged in reading or conversation. The minimalistic, abstract style is typical of Nieuwenhuys' approach, emphasizing expression over detail. This etching, part of a limited edition of 190, invites viewers to interpret the figures' relationship and context, reflecting the artist’s interest in capturing human essence through abstraction and suggesting layers of social or emotional narrative.

Constant Nieuwenhuys (Netherlands, 1920–2005), known as Constant, was a visionary artist and co-founder of the CoBrA movement. His work evolved from vibrant abstract expressionism to the utopian 'New Babylon' project, envisioning a society shaped by creativity and play. Constant’s innovative ideas and artistic contributions made him a central figure in post-war European art.

Constant Nieuwenhuys

Composition, 1982

Name: Composition, 1982
SKU: 1353

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

etching

etchingEtching is a technique where a design is created on a metal surface by using a strong acid or mordant to eat away the unprotected parts of the metal, leaving the desired pattern in relief (intaglio). In modern art and manufacturing, different chemicals may be used depending on the material being etched.

Edition

Edition of 190

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This artwork is framed, and can't be shipped - in case of a purchase, it can be picked up in Belgium (West Flanders)

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A painting is not a structure of colours and lines, but an animal, a night, a cry, a man, or all of these together.

- Constant Nieuwenhuys

Born in Amsterdam, musician, painter, sculptor, author and graphic artist Constant Nieuwenhuys painted at the age of 16 his first oil painting. Throughout Constant's life, he later became the recipient of 7 awards due to his works. While he showed a key interest in oil paints and canvases starting from a young age, Constant Nieuwenhuys had, at a certain period, resorted to painting upon bed sheets and tablecloths while in hiding from the Nazis. With no better word to describe his style aside from the obvious abstract, Constant's art was experimental. He believed art to be fleeting and sought it to be ever-changing. After having already established a name for himself by the age of 32, Constant Nieuwenhuys received a scholarship to study for three months in London, complimenting his former education at the State Academy of Fine Arts in his home country. With the help of Asger Jorn, Constant Nieuwenhuys founded the CoBrA art movement, consisting of an experimental art-form known as avant-garde.

Available works by Constant Nieuwenhuys

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Constant Nieuwenhuys

Le Massacre, 1972

Limited Edition Print

Lithograph

EUR 595

Constant Nieuwenhuys

L'ultima cena, 1980

Limited Edition Print

Etching and Aquatint

EUR 2,990

Artwork by Karel Appel

What is the CoBrA movement?

CoBrA stands for Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam; the group was formed with a desire to break away from the existing art movements of the time. Their critique of Western society led them to experiment and evolve into a significant international movement. CoBrA was founded on November 8, 1948, at the Notre Dame Café in Paris, where its manifesto was signed by Karel Appel, Joseph Noiret, Corneille, Christian Dotremont, Constant, and Asger Jorn. The group was united by a shared commitment to freedom in both form and color, and their work emphasized experimentation and spontaneity.

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Constant Nieuwenhuys

Composition, 1982

14 x 14 cm

Language & Currency

Constant Nieuwenhuys