Willem Hussem's Geometric Abstraction Dialogues with Four Contemporary Artists at Dürst Britt & Mayhew

Dürst Britt & Mayhew in The Hague presents 'The clouds are charging colour (version 2)', an exhibition juxtaposing works by Dutch painter Willem Hussem (1900-1974) with four contemporary artists. This adapted sequel focuses solely on Hussem's dialogue with Paul Beumer (1982), David Roth (1985), Alejandra Venegas (1986), and Wieske Wester (1985), omitting the previous version's inclusion of Piet Ouborg. Hussem's artistic evolution from figuration through a middle path between expressionism and constructivism to geometric abstraction is highlighted. The contemporary artists, though not directly influenced by Hussem, share his mindset of stylistic freedom and boundary-blurring. Beumer incorporates non-Western textiles from Southeast Asia, Roth works outdoors in nature, Venegas uses indigenous Mexican woods, and Wester navigates between figuration and abstraction. Their practices emphasize simplicity, poetry, and inspiration from their environments. A table of archival material from Hussem's estate, compiled by Yannick Balk, accompanies the exhibition. Balk also authored an essay for the first version. The exhibition demonstrates Hussem's ongoing legacy through unexpected similarities and contrasts with current-generation artists.