Village Scene With Old Woman Painting

Piet Mondrian: The Pioneer of Abstract Art

Piet Mondrian (1872-1944) was a Dutch painter and one of the leading pioneers of abstract art. Mondrian's work evolved from figurative and impressionistic landscapes to completely abstract compositions, in which he searched for the essence of form and color. He is best known for his contributions to the De Stijl art movement, which he co-founded. This movement sought a universal language of pure abstraction through straight lines, rectangles and primary colors. His iconic works, such as "Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow" and "Victory Boogie Woogie," are examples of his philosophy of neoplasticism, in which he strove for a harmonious and balanced composition. Mondrian's innovative approach to abstraction has had a profound influence on the development of modern art and design, and his work remains admired worldwide for its radical simplicity and visual power.