The must-see exhibition of this autumn! From 24 October, experience an impressive overview of Paul Signac (1863–1935), the master of Neo-Impressionism, at Kunsthal Rotterdam. At the end of the nineteenth century, building on the work of Georges Seurat, Signac developed Pointillism: a painting technique in which dots and short brushstrokes come together to form a rhythmic symphony of colour. This exhibition offers an in-depth introduction to Signac’s work, presented on a scale rarely seen in the Netherlands. At the same time, Symphony of Colours reveals how his influence resonates in the painting of his contemporaries.
In Symphony of Colours, you follow Signac’s development through lively harbour scenes, colourful landscapes and carefully composed portraits. One of the highlights is the sun-drenched Le Port au soleil couchant, Opus 236 (1892). Also on view is Le port de Rotterdam (1907), created during his stay in the Netherlands.
Vibrant colours
In this exhibition, you will discover the magical effect of Pointillism. Artists working within this movement base their work on strict scientific theories of colour. Painters do not mix the different colours of paint, but apply them side by side in dots and dabs, so that the viewer’s eye optically blends the colours. Complementary colours – orange next to blue, red next to green – enhance one another and create a bright, vibrant effect.
Signac and the Netherlands
Signac was a great admirer of the Netherlands. He visited our country on several occasions and subsequently produced large canvases, including one of the port of Rotterdam. He was also clearly impressed by the polders, harbours and cloudy skies in places such as Amsterdam, Volendam and Dordrecht. In the exhibition, you can see how the Dutch painter Jan Toorop (1858–1928) was influenced by him and introduced Neo-Impressionism to the Netherlands.
Writer, collector, ambassador
Signac. Symphony of Colours shows more than the work of one artist. As a writer, ambassador, collector and mentor, Signac played a key role within Neo-Impressionism and actively contributed to the international spread of the movement. His influence extended to artists across Europe. The exhibition therefore also features works by Lucie Cousturier, Henri-Edmond Cross, Curt Herrmann, Maximilien Luce, Camille Pissarro, Théo van Rysselberghe, Jeanne Selmersheim-Desgrange, Georges Seurat and Jan Toorop.
The exhibition is organised in close collaboration with Museum Barberini in Potsdam, known for its impressive collection of (Neo-)Impressionist paintings.
For the press
Collaboration partner
Exhibition partner
Stichting Droom en Daad
The Droom en Daad Foundation is committed to making Rotterdam stronger and more beautiful through arts and culture.
Nationale-Nederlanden
As a supporter of all art explorers, Nationale-Nederlanden (part of NN Group) works together with its partners to inspire a wider audience for art and culture, thereby contributing to everyone’s mental well-being. Nationale-Nederlanden also provides a platform for artists to inspire others. The company has a long history in cultural sponsorship, with a focus on visual arts, museums, and music.
Blockbusterfonds
www.blockbusterfonds.nl
Stichting Verzameling Van Wijngaarden-Boot
De Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot stimuleert de culturele uitstraling van de stad Rotterdam door subsidiëring en cofinanciering van culturele projecten en uitvoeringen.
Stichting Zabawas
www.zabawas.nl