Neo-Plasticism

Neo-Plasticism

Neo-Plasticism is a label embraced by Piet Mondrian, characterising his style of abstract painting that focuses on horizontal and vertical lines.

Neo-Plasticism is an aesthetic ideology advocating the abandonment of lifelike portrayal in favour of a simplified visual language primarily composed of straight lines, rectangular surfaces, and primary hues. Initially introduced by Piet Mondrian in the periodical De Stijl (The Style), Neo-Plasticism (commonly known as the new plastic art) emerged in reaction to the turmoil inflicted by World War I. It presented a means to attain visual equilibrium in art, serving as a model for reestablishing harmony and stability in ordinary existence.


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Parra's studio, with Parra at the centre, his back to the camera as he works on the large painting takes centre stage, showing a faceless blue woman in a striped dress, painted in red, purple, blue and teal. The studio is full of brightly coloured paints, with a large window on the right and a patterned rug across the floor under the painting.