Mondrian/Nicholson: In Parallel - The Courtauld Gallery

An exhibition which explores the friendship and creative relationship between Mondrian and Ben Nicholson and their influence upon each other. The exhibition features work from the early 1930’s through 1938 when Mondrian moved to England to escape the growing Nazi threat on the continent and into the 1940’s. Mondrian moved to Hampstead at Nicholson’s suggestion and they had studio’s next to each other. In 1940 Nicholson moved to St Ives with Barbara Hepworth to escape the Blitz but Mondrian felt he needed an urban environment and moved to New York where he died in 1944.

The period includes Mondrian’s best known works the exhibition would be well worth visiting for his worrks on their own but Nicholson, at a time when abstract art was looked down upon in the UK, also contributes exceptional work which does not look out of place alongside the Dutchman. There are differences of course, Mondrian’s famous black lines ensure a flat work without depth, the colours reducing on his canvas’ throughout the period as he looks for balance in the works. Nicholson on the other hand often creates drama by using dull colours around a bright centre.