Dutch Conceptual Art Pioneer Ger van Elk Dies at 73
Ger van Elk, a founding figure of Conceptual art, has died. His Amsterdam gallery, Grimm, confirmed the news. Van Elk worked across photography, painting, film, sculpture, and installation. He gained prominence through his participation in the landmark 1969 exhibitions "When Attitudes Become Form" in Bern and "Op losse schroeven" in Amsterdam. In the early 1960s, he lived in Los Angeles with artist Bas Jan Ader, a period that profoundly reshaped his practice. Critic Ron Kaal noted that this time prompted van Elk to reexamine his artistic identity, overturning his Dutch training and leading him to prioritize concept over realization.
Key facts
- Ger van Elk has died.
- The news was confirmed by his gallery, Grimm, Amsterdam.
- He worked in photography, paint, film, sculpture, and installation.
- He is regarded as a founding father of Conceptual art.
- He participated in 'When Attitudes Become Form' in Bern in 1969.
- He participated in 'Op losse schroeven' in Amsterdam in 1969.
- In the early 1960s he lived in Los Angeles, sharing a house with Bas Jan Ader.
- Ron Kaal wrote about the formative period in van Elk's practice.
Entities
Artists
- Ger van Elk
- Bas Jan Ader
Institutions
- Grimm
Locations
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Bern
- Switzerland