Flemish Expressionism, also referred to as Belgian Expressionism, was one of the dominant art styles in Flanders during the interbellum. Influenced by artists like James Ensor and the early works of Vincent van Gogh, it was a distinct contemporary of German Expressionism. Contrary to the more rebellious and erotic nature of many German Expressionist works, the Flemish art of the School of Latem was more oriented towards the farming life, and was expressed in earthy colours and vigorous brushwork. It was also in general more oriented towards France and Brussels than to Germany, and incorporated elements of Fauvism and Cubism, for example the interest in "primitive" art, of both the ethnic and folk traditions. Flemish Expressionists like Spilliaert were more influenced by Ensor and Symbolism, or like Wouters were closer to the vibrant colours used by the Fauvists. The main proponents were Gust De Smet, Constant Permeke and Frits Van den Berghe.
Gustave De Smet, The Good House, 1926, Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
Gustave Van de Woestijne, Fuga, 1925, Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
Léon Spilliaert, Landscape with red roof, 1926, Mu.ZEE in Ostend
Jozef Cantré was a Belgian sculptor and illustrator. He was one of the main artists in the development of the movement of Flemish Expressionism.
Sculpture by Cantré from 1953, in front of the Ostend post office
Excerpt from the Flemish magazine Regenboog. Draft for the woodcut Pan of Jozef Cantré. Published in 1918.
Monument for Anseele in Ghent
Relief in the facade of the Brussels-Congress railway station