Wim Strijbosch, Heads, Oil On Canvas Signed And Dated 1949

Wim Strijbosch (Amsterdam 1928-1968) Heads, Oil on Canvas Signed and Dated 1949 40 x 50 cm With frame 53 x 63 cm Wim (Willem) Strijbosch (Amsterdam, 1928-1968) began his career painting wooden furniture for a living. Until 1947 he studied graphic design at the Institute for Applied Arts in Amsterdam, where he was taught by renowned artists such as the painter Mark Kolthoff and the designer Mart Stam. In 1951 Strijbosch joined the artist group Creatie, where he made many valuable friendships. Although introverted by nature, he expressed himself through his work, which is often marked by introspection and poetic charge. His paintings from the period 1949-1953 often show cosmic landscapes, inspired by the style of Paul Klee. Although he is best known for his abstract geometric compositions, Strijbosch paints them with a free and unconstrained hand. After 1953, his way of working gradually changed. His geometric drawings evolved into a more expressive form, characterized by bright colors, flowing brushstrokes and occasional figurative elements, such as birds. Between 1954 and 1957, he worked in the advertising department of a large retail chain and designed various posters and museum catalogs until around 1965. In addition, Strijbosch worked with Crouwel and Keus as a set designer for theater productions and he taught at the Royal Academy in Den Bosch and at his former training, the Institute for Applied Arts in Amsterdam. As a board member of the Liga Nieuw Beelden, he advocated for closer collaboration between art and architecture, making an important contribution to the Dutch art climate. Wim Strijbosch died of cancer in 1968 at the age of forty. His role as chairman of the League of New Images and his involvement in various graphic initiatives had a major influence on the Dutch art world. His life was entirely devoted to art.