The Artistic Journey of Otto van Rees
Born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Otto van Rees was a prolific artist whose career spanned several decades. After finishing high school, he moved to Paris in 1904, where he lived and worked alongside his wife, Adya Dutilh. During his time in Paris, he was part of a vibrant artistic circle, residing in the Bateau Lavoir and spending summers in Fleury-en-Bière. His work underwent significant transformations, moving from neo-impressionistic experiments focused on sunlight and perspective toward a concentration on volume and form, evolving from physic cubism to analytic cubism.
During the first world war, Van Rees relocated to Ascona, Switzerland. In 1915, he held a famous exhibition at the gallery Tanner in Zürich alongside Arp, an event now viewed as the beginning of Dada in Zürich. Art dealer Henri Kahnweiler noted that Van Rees brought the collage technique from Paris to Zürich. Later, in 1928, he constructed a house in Losone, near Ascona, featuring a ground plan of a circle and a square.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the death of his oldest daughter in France, Van Rees spent increasing amounts of time in Holland, eventually moving there in 1934. In the Netherlands, he was regarded as a mentor by young painters. His artistic output was diverse, encompassing various roles such as:
His mural paintings embellished numerous public buildings in Holland, including churches, railway stations, courthouses, ministries, and theatres. He died in Utrecht, Holland.
Questions & Answers
In which historical period did Otto van Rees work?
Otto van Rees worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Where is Otto van Rees from?
Otto van Rees was born in Germany.
Can I browse Otto van Rees's works by movement?
The All Movements page groups Otto van Rees's artworks by art movement.
Can I explore Otto van Rees's works by keyword?
Otto van Rees's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.
