Mondrian and van Doesburg Found De Stijl

Founded by Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg originally as a publication, De Stijl means style in Dutch. It is believed that this magazine, De Stijl, was the first time the term “neo-plasticism” was used. The De Stijl movement sought to achieve a harmonious and universal visual language through the use of reduced geometric forms and primary colors. The movement’s emphasis on simplicity, primary colors and abstraction has resonated throughout generative art’s history. In addition to a clear aesthetic influence, De Stijl’s emphasis on grids and modular systems would impact future generations of generative artists.