Bram Bogart

Biography of Bram Bogart

Shortly after the Second World War, in 1946, Bram Bogart (1921-2012) left his hometown Delft for France. In the town of Le Cannet, he developed his "Matter Painting", in which he applied the paint directly to the canvas. He also mixes his paint with other materials to obtain a cement-like substance. This makes him one of the founders of "Informal Painting". When Bogart moves to Paris, he and Karel Appel and Corneile live in a warehouse on Rue Senteuil. Although the artists live together, Bogart continues to go his own way. Never in his career will he join a movement or group.

In the early 1960s, Bogart moved to Belgium with his wife Leni. This is also the moment when his work changes. The material becomes more pasty and heavier, his colors become brighter and he starts painting in color fields with a more geometric construction. He stretches his canvases on panel, making sure the thick paint adheres well to the support. He applies this material with a palette knife and a brush, while the panel lies on the floor. Despite the weight of the material, it adheres well and does not run.