Pioneer of the Avant-Garde and Situationism
Jacqueline de Jong, born on January 3, 1939, in Hengelo, Netherlands, is an influential artist and graphic designer best known for her involvement with the Situationist International. Her work encompasses painting, graphic design, and sculpture, and she played a significant role in the avant-garde art movements of the twentieth century.
Early Life and Education
Jacqueline de Jong grew up in the Netherlands and was influenced by the post-war art scene from a young age. She studied at the Stedelijk Gymnasium in Utrecht and began her career in the art world as a self-taught artist. Her early work was characterized by an experimental approach and a strong interest in the social and political aspects of art.
Involvement with the Situationist International
In the early 1960s, De Jong became involved with the Situationist International (SI), an international artists' and political movement dedicated to social change through art and activism. She joined the SI in 1960 and played an active role in the movement, particularly through her work as editor and designer of the Situationist Times, a journal dedicated to the ideas and activities of the Situationists.
Founded by De Jong in 1962, the Situationist Times was a platform for experimental and avant-garde art and literature. The journal was known for its innovative designs and interdisciplinary nature, attracting contributions from artists and writers worldwide. De Jong's work for the journal highlighted her talent as a graphic designer and her ability to blend art and politics.
Art and Activism
Besides her involvement with the Situationists, De Jong developed an impressive oeuvre as a painter and sculptor. Her work was characterized by a mix of abstract and figurative elements, often with a surrealistic and playful touch. She used bright colors and expressive forms to explore complex themes such as identity, freedom, and social change.
De Jong's art was exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Europe and the United States. Her work was praised for its originality and the way it broke traditional boundaries of art genres. She remained actively involved in political movements and continued to promote the ideas of the Situationists.
Later Years and Recognition
In the later years of her career, Jacqueline de Jong remained active in the art world. She continued to paint and exhibit, and her work gained increasing recognition from critics and the general public. Her contributions to the avant-garde and her role in the Situationist International were increasingly appreciated, and she was considered a pioneer in combining art and activism.
In 2019, De Jong received the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government, recognizing her contributions to art and culture. Her work remains relevant and inspiring, and she is seen as a significant figure in the history of twentieth-century art.
Major Works and Their Locations
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"The Situationist Times" (1962-1967)
- Location: Archives and libraries specializing in avant-garde and Situationist literature, including the International Institute of Social History (IISH) in Amsterdam.
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"La Grande Gifle" (1964)
- Location: Collection of the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam.
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"Pindaric Flights" (1965)
- Location: Collection of the Moderna Museet, Stockholm.
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"Mise en Scène de Lutte" (1966)
- Location: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam.
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"Le Peintre et Son Double" (1970)
- Location: Centre Pompidou, Paris.
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"Revolt of the Guards" (1975)
- Location: Tate Modern, London.
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"L'Heure de Vérité" (1985)
- Location: Private collections in Europe and the United States.
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"Les Mots et les Choses" (1990)
- Location: Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.
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"Déformation Professionnelle" (2005)
- Location: Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven.
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"La Fin de l'Histoire" (2010)
- Location: National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Conclusion
Jacqueline de Jong's life and work testify to a deep-seated passion for art and social change. As an artist and activist, she has had a lasting impact on the avant-garde and the Situationist International. Her innovative approach to art and her commitment to social justice continue to inspire future generations of artists and activists.
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Jacqueline de Jong, The Ultimate Kiss, 2002–12
Oil on canvas, 165 x 195 cm
Used with permission from the artist
In "The Ultimate Kiss," Jacqueline de Jong presents a powerful and emotional depiction of human intimacy and connection. Created over a period of ten years, the work combines vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes to portray the complexity of human relationships. De Jong's unique style and her ability to convey profound emotions make this painting a captivating centerpiece of her oeuvre.
https://www.houldsworth.co.uk/artists/53-jacqueline-de-jong/works/
http://www.galerieallen.com/en/artistes/oeuvres/10918/jacqueline-de-jong