Divergerende stralen / Gaten-ets (één gat) - Constant Nieuwenhuys

A striking abstract etching by Dutch artist Constant Nieuwenhuys, featuring radiating lines and a central physical puncture in the plate.

This etching by Constant Nieuwenhuys, often referred to as Constant, captures the experimental spirit of the post-war European avant-garde. As a founding member of the CoBrA movement, Constant sought to break away from traditional artistic constraints, favouring spontaneous expression and raw, unmediated forms. This work, titled 'Divergerende stralen' (Diverging rays) or 'Gaten-ets' (Hole etching), demonstrates his interest in the physical manipulation of the medium.

The composition is dominated by a series of intersecting, linear marks that radiate from a central void. The artist has physically punctured the plate, creating a literal hole that disrupts the printed surface. This action forces the viewer to confront the materiality of the print, shifting the focus from a purely visual experience to one that acknowledges the objecthood of the work. The lines themselves vary in weight and direction, suggesting a sense of kinetic energy or a collapsing structure. The grid-like background provides a subtle tension against the chaotic, circular motion of the foreground lines.

Constant's work during this period often explored the relationship between space, architecture, and human movement. While this piece is abstract, it reflects his broader interest in how structures can be deconstructed or reconfigured. The stark contrast between the dark, etched lines and the white paper creates a sense of depth, drawing the eye toward the central aperture. This print is a clear example of the artist's willingness to push the boundaries of traditional printmaking techniques, treating the copper plate as a site for intervention rather than merely a surface for reproduction. The result is a work that feels both precise in its execution and anarchic in its conceptual approach, typical of the radical experimentation that defined the CoBrA years.