The Artistic Journey of Otto van Rees
Born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, Otto van Rees was a prolific artist whose career spanned several decades. After finishing high school, he moved to Paris in 1904, where he lived and worked alongside his wife, Adya Dutilh. During his time in Paris, he was part of a vibrant artistic circle, residing in the Bateau Lavoir and spending summers in Fleury-en-Bière. His work underwent significant transformations, moving from neo-impressionistic experiments focused on sunlight and perspective toward a concentration on volume and form, evolving from physic cubism to analytic cubism.
During the first world war, Van Rees relocated to Ascona, Switzerland. In 1915, he held a famous exhibition at the gallery Tanner in Zürich alongside Arp, an event now viewed as the beginning of Dada in Zürich. Art dealer Henri Kahnweiler noted that Van Rees brought the collage technique from Paris to Zürich. Later, in 1928, he constructed a house in Losone, near Ascona, featuring a ground plan of a circle and a square.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the death of his oldest daughter in France, Van Rees spent increasing amounts of time in Holland, eventually moving there in 1934. In the Netherlands, he was regarded as a mentor by young painters. His artistic output was diverse, encompassing various roles such as:
His mural paintings embellished numerous public buildings in Holland, including churches, railway stations, courthouses, ministries, and theatres. He died in Utrecht, Holland.
Questions & Answers
Is there a chronological account of Otto van Rees?
A chronological account of Otto van Rees's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.
Where are Otto van Rees's artworks grouped by keywords?
The By Keywords page of Otto van Rees groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.
What are the birth city and country of Otto van Rees?
Otto van Rees was born in Freiburg im Breisgau, in Germany.
What other names is Otto van Rees known by?
Otto van Rees is also known as أوتو فان ريس.
