De Stijl

Question 1

Influences

Answer 1

1. The Dutch tradition of logic, severity and clarity
2. Cubism (specifically analytical cubism)
3. The Dutch philosopher, Schoenmaekers, who worked out a system whereby nature could be simplified to basic relations and opposites

Question 2

Aims

Answer 2

1. To create a new reality based on logic and order and not on visually recognisable images
2. To make man aware of new developments in art and technology

Question 3

Characteristics

Answer 3

1. Line - only straight horizontal and vertical lines (and in exceptions vertical)
2. Colour - primary colours (red, blue, yellow) as well as black, white and grey
3. Abstraction a d simplification were used, and works were impersonal.
4. They believed in balance, harmony, order, logic and purity
5. Textures are smooth and lacking in individual marks

Question 4

Example of design

Answer 4

The RedBlue armchair
Designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1917
Has an open frame structure. Framework is black with each point ending in yellow. The bachrest is the only diagonal plane, otherwise the rest is composed of horizontal and vertical lines. The seat is dark blue and the backrest is red.