How a Dutch Artist's Letters Sparked Hungary's Avant-Garde

Eleanor Vance · 2026-08-10

Ever wondered how artistic ideas travel? In the early 1920s, a network of artists across Europe were connecting in ways that would shape modern art. At the center of it all was Theo van Doesburg, the Dutch artist and editor of *De Stijl*. He struck up a correspondence with Hungarian avant-garde artists linked to the journal *Ma* (Today). Names like Lajos Kassák, Sándor Bortnyik, László Moholy-Nagy, and László Péri were part of this vibrant exchange. This wasn't just casual letter-writing. These artists were passionate about pushing boundaries. They shared ideas about art, design, and society. And they did it across borders, despite the chaos of post-World War I Europe. Their letters and publications show a determined effort to build an international network. ### The Key Figures and Their Connection Lajos Kassák was the driving force behind *Ma*. He was a poet, novelist, and painter who believed in art's power to transform society. Van Doesburg, with his strict geometric style, found common ground with Kassák's circle. They both wanted to break away from tradition and create something new. Sándor Bortnyik, another Hungarian, was deeply influenced by *De Stijl*. He later brought those ideas back to Hungary, influencing a generation of artists. László Moholy-Nagy, who later taught at the Bauhaus, was also part of this network. His work bridged Hungarian and Dutch avant-garde ideas. > 'The correspondence between Van Doesburg and Kassák reveals a shared vision: art as a tool for social change,' notes a researcher at the Kassák Museum. ### What the Archives Reveal Archival research in the Kassák Museum in Budapest and the RKD – Netherlands Institute for Art History in The Hague brings this story to life. The letters, drafts, and publications show how ideas were exchanged and adapted. They also highlight the challenges: censorship, financial struggles, and political turmoil. For example, Van Doesburg's letters often included sketches and manifestos. Kassák published some of these in *Ma*, spreading *De Stijl* ideas to Hungarian readers. In return, Hungarian artists sent their work to Van Doesburg, who featured it in *De Stijl*. This back-and-forth created a rich dialogue. ### Why This Matters Today This micro-historical analysis isn't just about the past. It shows how collaboration across borders can spark innovation. In a time when Europe was rebuilding, these artists proved that creativity knows no boundaries. - **Cross-pollination of ideas**: The exchange between *De Stijl* and *Ma* led to new approaches in art and design. - **International networks**: Artists built connections that survived war and distance. - **Legacy**: Figures like Moholy-Nagy carried these ideas to influential institutions like the Bauhaus. So next time you see a piece of abstract art, remember: it might have started with a letter between two passionate artists. And that's a powerful reminder of how human connection drives creativity.