Mondrian and Nicholson in Parallel, opening at the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House

Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House featured the early 20th century works of British painter Ben Nicholson and Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. Nicholson and Mondrian’s works are displayed side-by-side illustrating their relationship and the influence they had upon each other’s art.

Piet Mondrian, Composition C (no. III), with Red, Yellow and Blue, 1935. Image courtesy of Mondrian/Holtzman Trust and via http://www.courtauld.ac.uk.

Mondrian is best know for his black, white, and primary color compositions. Composition C (no.III) from 1935 strips the canvas of small details and narrows down to the basics. Black parallel and perpendicular lines, are laid upon a white canvas. Mondrian explores the spatial relationships with the addition of vibrant colors.

Clement Greenberg, an American writer who had a lot of influence in the art world, described Modern Art as a movement that called attention to the actual art medium with little narrative and little attention to the subject of the painting.  Like other Modern artists, Mondrian’s abstract painting is an experiment in the medium of paint and how it effects the viewer.

Nicholoson’s relationship with Mondrian first began when he visited Mondrian’s studio in Paris in 1934. After an overwhelming experience, he actually had to rest in a nearby cafe to take it all in. The two men continued their relationship after Mondrian moved to London during WWII. During those seven years living in London, his neighbor Nicholoson and Mondrian built a strong relationship dispute their 22 years age difference. They kept their friendship even after they were geographically separated until the death of Mondrian. Mondrian moved to Manhattan, New York, and Nicholoson moved to St Ives, Cornwall.

Ben Nicholson, 1940-43 (two forms). Image via http://www.courtauld.ac.uk.

It is easy to see the artistic parallel between Mondrian’s Composition C and Nicholson’s untitled painting from 1940 (above), though these paintings were produced when the two artists were apart. Thanks to the curators of the Courtauld Gallery, we can see that both paintings followed a simple, straight, grid-like pattern in their compositions. Mondrian’s, however, described the energy and vibrance of the colors used by juxtoposing bright colors. Nicholson, on the other hand, introduced different tones of colors that Mondrian does not explore. Nicholson has no lines in between his different colored spaces which emphasize the power of different tones and saturation which have no need for defining boarders.

This exhibition celebrated the benefits of artists’ relationship with one another over a long period of time. The artistic theories and language shared between two artists inspired each one to uncover different artistic theory that we now can enjoy and learn from.

The exhibition also invited The Joshua Jaswon quartet from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The group played music by Lester Young, Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker. The public was encouraged to come dressed in 1930’s glamour to grain free entrance. Of course I could not resist getting my hair and make up done, and dressing up in a floor length dress and fur.

The curators of the Courtauld Gallery are telling a story of friendship that transcends lifetimes.  Iron sharpens iron, just as a friend inspires another friend to strive for more in life and art.

Two is better than one, as the saying goes, and through experience I have seen the the benefits of good company. One thing I can boast about is how blessed I am to have amazing and supportive friends. One friend who accompanied me to the gallery opening, is a young lady that I admire and feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and ideas about how to live life. Vice versa, she can do the same with me.

In front of Somerset House dressed in 1930's Glamour

The art of making friends: finding someone that possesses a kind of aura or characteristic that you, yourself want to gain or understand. Then spend time with them in hopes that some it will rub off on you. That is what Nicholoson did when he invited Mondrian to live in London. The result of that invitation has stretched beyond their lifetime, and we celebrate it now at this gallery.