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EXHIBITION _ 2024 _ 5X RIETVELD

EXHIBITION STATEMENT

The famous architect and furniture designer Gerrit Rietveld (1888-1964) created remarkable designs and a unique vision of living. Less highlighted but equally interesting is the work of the second generation of Rietveld. For the first time in over thirty years, the creative work of four children of Gerrit Rietveld can be seen alongside that of their father. Gallery owner and curator Niek Schoenmakers showcases in The Millen House in Amsterdam the furniture and artworks of architect Jan Rietveld, painter Elisabeth Rietveld, furniture maker Gerrit Rietveld Jr., and industrial designer Wim Rietveld in a unique and intriguing exhibition.

A FAMILY REUNION

In 1991, the work of Wim, Jan, Elisabeth (Bep), and Gerrit Jr. was last exhibited in the exhibition ‘Four times Rietveld’ in the pavilion De Zonnehof in Amersfoort, designed by Gerrit Rietveld. Niek Schoenmakers believes it is high time for a new update. In the selling exhibition ‘5X Rietveld,’ the gallery owner reveals the creative lines that exist between the father and his children by highlighting the talent of the four Rietveld children.

Gerrit Rietveld was an architect and furniture designer and received great recognition in both fields. The Zig-Zag Chair, Crate Chair, and the Red-Blue Chair are known to everyone. He was a revolutionary pioneer of modern architecture and shaped design in the Netherlands. Gerrit Sr. is constantly in the spotlight, this year especially with the 100th anniversary of the Rietveld Schröder House. “But not everyone knows that his children were influential in Dutch visual design after World War II,” says Niek Schoenmakers. “Wim, Jan, Bep, and Gerrit were raised in an artistic environment, and in their work, we see a great affinity with their father’s. At the same time, it is special that Rietveld Sr. believed that you could feed children but not educate them, giving them the freedom to choose their path. This allowed them to develop their own styles and leave a mark on their respective fields during the Reconstruction period,” says Schoenmakers.

The Rietveld DNA

The Rietveld DNA in furniture and paintings
Special attention is given to Bep Rietveld. In collaboration with the Bep Rietveld Foundation, The Millen House presents a selection of her rarely shown portraits and still lifes. The exhibition creates a remarkable link between Bep and her father: his designed furniture, such as the iconic Red-Blue Chair and the Steltman Chair, serves as the backdrop for the people and objects in her paintings. Schoenmakers: “Bep’s compelling portrayal of her subjects adds a human layer and emphasizes the rational character of her father’s work.”

Wim Rietveld emphasized the balance between form and function in his designs. He developed utilitarian objects suitable for mass production, in line with the ideas of the Good Living Foundation. Schoenmakers shows the famous Panama lamp, model 4050 from 1956, made by Gispen. Wim was involved in designing office furniture at this company, to which he added home furniture and lamps. Here, too, the connection with his father is highlighted: in 1957, they were jointly responsible for designing the stackable and connectable Mondial Chair, presented at the 1958 World Expo in Brussels.

A highlight of the exhibition is a rare chair by Gerrit Rietveld Jr. from 1954. While his brother Wim worked for the industry, Gerrit produced furniture in small batches independently. He learned the craft in Gerard van de Groenekan’s workshop, who made furniture for Gerrit Sr. With a simple formal language and unique construction, he developed a personal style that gave him a certain recognition. Unfortunately, he died at a young age, leaving his oeuvre very limited and almost unknown.

Architect Jan Rietveld began his career just after World War II. His work has similarities with his father’s and modern architecture. His most famous design is the Westeinderflat from 1956-1958, a bachelor flat in Amsterdam that quickly earned the nickname ‘Hunker Bunker.’ Besides primarily designing detached houses, he occasionally designed furniture within the architecture. Schoenmakers shows cabinets from an Amsterdam apartment by Jan, drawing a connection with himself as an architect. “In my gallery, I am interested in the interaction between art and design objects and the architectural space. These cabinets were specifically designed for a particular apartment but are also standalone pieces that fit into any contemporary interior.”

The final piece of 5X Rietveld is a church bench by Gerrit Rietveld Sr. This 1963 bench, made of metal and wood, comes from the church center ‘De Hoeksteen’ in Uithoorn. This rectangular building in the style of modern architecture creates the illusion of a cube through the reflection in the surrounding pond. Rietveld designed the building, the church benches, and the cross in the church hall. He did not live to see the opening of his only completed church design, as he died during construction in 1964.

OPENING DRINKS
05-09 |  17:00 – 20:00 (rsvp: hello@themillenhouse.com)


GLUE AMSTERDAM, connected by design
19-09
/ 08:30-10:30 GLUE HANGOVER BREAKFAST (rsvp: hello@themillenhouse.com)
/ 10:30-17:00 open
20-09 | 11:00-17:00 open
21-09 | 11:00-17:00 open
22-09
| 11:00 -17:00 open
| 15:00-17:00 GALLERY TALKS Martine Eskes (Bep Rietveld Foundation) in conversation with Viveka van de Vliet  (rsvp: hello@themillenhouse.com)


FINISSAGE
13-10 / 12:00 – 17:00 (rsvp: hello@themillenhouse.com)

 

The gallery is open by appointment

The exhibition shows how Rietveld’s DNA resonates in his children’s work and also finds echoes in today’s young designers. During the GLUE Amsterdam design route from September 19-22, 2024, The Millen House will develop a special program around 5X Rietveld, including an interview with Bep Rietveld’s daughter.

SELECTION OF WORKS

MORE TO COME SOON

Ella recoge óptimos, en su opinión, socios y asigna la primera cita. Cada Landman tiene un tandle que se parece a un botón de panal, y, que se ha reunido por primera vez, los posibles amantes deben hacer clic en él al mismo tiempo para averiguar cuántos años, meses, y luego, y por minutos están destinados a ser juntos. Y cialis comprar importa si se gustan los demás o no, no funcionará. Matrimonio!