October 9, 1951: About thirty prints by the Dutch printmaker and photographer, Hendrik N. Werkman will be shown in the small print gallery at The Brooklyn Museum from October 10 through October 31, 1951. This exhibition has been circulated in the United States by the American Federation of Arts.
Werkman, one of Holland’s most distinguished contemporary artists, was killed by the Nazis in 1945 just before the war ended. However, he had already made hundreds of fine prints. He was among the first of the Dutch artists to work in abstract compositions although many of his prints arc representational in subject matter. His prints, achieved through the use of stencils, woodblocks and various colors of inks, are characterized by curious textiles, brilliant colors and frequent use of letters and other typographical designs. Lively and ingenious, they reflect originality, a fine sense of color and unusual composition. Werkman’s prints have been shown in Paris and in his native Holland where they have received considerable attention. After its showing at the Brooklyn Museum, this exhibition will be returned to Holland.
Brooklyn Museum Archives. Records of the Department of Public Information. Press releases, 1947 - 1952. 10-12/1951, 088.
