De Stijl Abstract art is a term that encompasses many different definitions, one of which being that of De Stijl. This abstract facet of art and design, which means "The Style" in Dutch, originated in Holland at around about 1917.

Unlike Cubism, Futurism and Abstract Expressionism De Stijl was not in effect an artistic movement, nor a design school like the Bauhaus. The artists involved with this art barely knew each other and never exhibited together as a group, like the Impressionists for example. However, despite their lack of personal familiarity the artists of De Stijl followed each of their colleagues' work quite closely.

De Stijl began as a small artistic magazine edited and circulated by the Dutch artist Theo Van Doesburg. The magazine, entitled "De Stijl" was a very small publication, with only around 300 copies sold per issue, yet its influences were far reaching. The ideas and designs of the De Stijl magazine became internationally recognised within artistic circles.

The common themes of De Stijl included sculpture, painting, applied arts, architecture and design, with the magazine's articles written and contributed by the most important artistic collaborators of De Stijl. These individuals included Mondrian, Van Doesberg, Rietveld and Oud. These ideals of the De Stijl do sound slightly out of this world and perhaps even crazy, considering the fact that these beliefs were centred around art!

However, one must realise that art and design does have to power to change the way we live in the world. For example of this look to the Schroder Haus, designed and planned by Rietveld in 1924. This architectural masterpiece embodies every quality and ideal of the De Stijl period, as the house inscribed a particular lifestyle and life-view - that of spaciousness, harmony and beauty.

If one ever wishes to see one particular piece of De Stijl work, then the Schroder Haus is its epitome. For entire article, please visit the Artists Guild!