Piet Mondrian (Dutch, 1872–1944) was a pioneering figure in modern art whose radical abstraction forever altered the course of painting. Trained in the Dutch academic tradition, Mondrian's early landscapes gave way to a disciplined visual language grounded in geometry, clarity, and asymmetry. He is best known for his signature style, characterized by black grid lines and primary colors, which he called neoplasticism - a movement he co-founded that sought harmony through the reduction of form and color.
Mondrian's philosophy extended beyond aesthetics; he believed that art could express universal truths and contribute to a more balanced society. A lifelong seeker, his work was shaped by spiritual beliefs, including Theosophy, and a deep commitment to order amid chaos. His final works, created after emigrating to New York, embraced rhythm and improvisation, revealing the influence of jazz and the city's dynamic energy. Mondrian remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th century; his vision is still echoed in architecture, design, and pop culture today.
