Bio
Corneille, born Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo on July 3, 1922, in Liège, Belgium, was an influential artist best known for his work as a painter and graphic artist. Although born in Belgium, he spent most of his life in the Netherlands and considered himself a Dutch artist.
Corneille was born to Dutch parents and moved to the Netherlands at a young age. He initially studied at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam, where he immersed himself in painting.
In 1948, Corneille co-founded the COBRA group, an avant-garde art movement named after the cities of Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The group, which included artists like Karel Appel and Constant, opposed traditional art forms and sought spontaneous, expressive, and often childlike art expressions. Although the COBRA movement was short-lived, it had a lasting impact on modern art.
Corneille’s work is characterized by bright colors, playful forms, and often surreal themes. His paintings frequently feature elements of nature, such as birds, flowers, and female figures, depicted in a nearly primitive manner. He was influenced by African art, as well as the works of Paul Klee and Joan Miró.
After the dissolution of the COBRA group in 1951, Corneille continued to develop his unique style and held exhibitions worldwide. He worked not only as a painter but also as a sculptor and ceramicist. Corneille traveled extensively, enriching his work with influences from various cultures.
Corneille passed away on September 5, 2010, in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, where he had spent the last years of his life. His work remains influential and continues to be exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.
Corneille left behind a rich legacy that broke the boundaries of traditional art and opened new avenues for expression and creativity. His contributions to the COBRA movement and his unique style continue to inspire and captivate.