Cracking Painting

Abstract

This chapter addresses artist-squatters in the Netherlands, particularly the group of neo-expressionist painters known as De Nieuwe Wilden (The New Wild Ones). Although art schools around the country became important meeting places for artists during the late ’70s and early ’80s, rebellious young artists often dropped out or broke off from the more traditional curricula offered at these institutions in favor of pursuing collective DIY projects, such as starting their own bands and developing their own music/art venues in squatted spaces. Squatter venues like W139, Aorta, and V2_ focused on media art, performances, and anarchic exhibitions. At the time, artists in the Netherlands benefited from generous state subsidies and social benefits.