Piet Mondrian, born on March 7, 1872, in Amersfoort, Netherlands, is an iconic figure of the Constructivist movement, alongside Theo van Doesburg. His artistic journey began at the Hague School, where he explored Impressionism around 1900. His early influences included Vincent van Gogh, whose Fauvist tendencies attracted Mondrian in 1908, and Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, who inspired him in 1911 through their Cubist explorations.
By the 1920s, Mondrian had developed his distinctive style associated with Neo-Plasticism, creating rigorously geometric works. These compositions, characterized by black grids and rectangular forms filled with primary colors, had a significant impact not only on art but also on fashion, architecture, and advertising. He was a founding member of De Stijl, a group of artists, and authored Neo-Plasticism, which was published in German as Bauhaus Book No. 5 in 1925.
While in exile in New York during World War II, Mondrian continued to innovate, incorporating mosaic and color fields of primary colors into his works. These developments showcased his ability to adapt his style while remaining true to his artistic principles.
Piet Mondrian passed away on February 1, 1944, but his influence endures. His work continues to inspire and captivate, cementing his status as one of the pioneers of abstract art and Neo-Plasticism.