Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian, born in the Netherlands in 1872, was a pivotal figure in the development of modern art, particularly known for his role in the Abstract Expressionism movement. Mondrian's early work was influenced by Impressionism and Symbolism, but he gradually moved towards abstraction, seeking to express universal truths through a reduction of form and color. In 1917, he co-founded the De Stijl movement, which emphasized simplicity and abstraction, using straight lines and primary colors. His iconic grid-based compositions, such as "Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow," have had a lasting impact on art, architecture, and design. Mondrian emigrated to the United States in 1940, where he continued to develop his artistic theories until his death in 1944. His work laid the groundwork for future generations of abstract artists and remains influential in various creative fields.