Lang leve de Cobra

Yesterday, I was talking art with a Dutch cyclist who was on a trip from Florida to Maine.  He asked if I was familiar with the artist Karel Appel (1921-2006).  I knew the name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t seem to figure out why.  Thanks to a quick Google image search, I recognized a few of the Dutch painter’s colorful canvases.  His work remind me of Joan Miró’s more mature pieces.  Appel was part of the 1948 avant-garde movement Cobra, which the Dutch public vehemently criticized at the time, causing him to work abroad for many years.  There is now a Karel Appel Foundation and a museum dedicated to keeping the Cobra spirit alive.  

“The Cobra Movement stands for creative freedom and experimentation, passion and vitality, and social engagement.” Lang leve de Cobra!

Karel Appel Foundation-

http://www.karelappelfoundation.com/index.cfm/site/KarelAppel/pageid/587D151F-9A80-1B27-83DD7080A23F80D0/index.cfm

Cobra Museum in the Netherlands-

http://www.cobra-museum.nl/en/home.html