Tree 1916

Theo van Doesburg's ‘Tree’, held at the Portland Museum of Art, presents a fascinating geometric deconstruction of nature. Painted with oil on canvas, the artwork reduces the organic form of a tree to a series of angular shapes and flat planes. The composition, dominated by varied tones of green and subtle earth colours, creates a visual rhythm that is at once calming and dynamic. Van Doesburg's approach reflects the broader shift towards abstraction in early 20th-century art. Rather than merely representing the visual appearance of a tree, Van Doesburg explores its underlying structure, breaking it down into component forms. The triangular and rectangular shapes interlock to form a cohesive, yet fragmented image. This approach aligns with the principles of De Stijl, which sought to reduce forms to their essential geometric elements. The artwork, through its calculated arrangement of shapes and colours, invites us to reconsider our perception of nature and challenges conventional modes of representation. 'Tree' isn't simply a depiction, but an invitation to engage with the formal qualities of art and the structural principles that underpin both art and nature.