This exhibition at Museum Het Schip celebrates the Dutch artist and graphic designer Fré Cohen (1903-1943). It explores her significant contributions to the Amsterdam School movement, highlighting her work for various socialist organizations and her profound connection to the Jewish proletariat of Amsterdam.
From November 2, 2021, to October 30, 2022, Museum Het Schip presents an exhibition dedicated to Fré Cohen (1903-1943), a pivotal Dutch artist and graphic designer.
Cohen was a successful and influential figure in the male-dominated field of graphic design, making substantial contributions to the Amsterdam School movement. Her work vividly articulates both the aesthetic language and the underlying ideals of this period. She created graphic designs for the municipality of Amsterdam, socialist organizations such as the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP), the Workers' Youth League (AJC), trade unions, and cooperatives. Her Jewish heritage is intrinsically linked to the narrative of the Amsterdam School, which had strong roots in the Jewish proletariat, including the diamond workers' movement. Cohen's tragic story, culminating in her death during World War II, reflects a significant part of Amsterdam's history and the Amsterdam School's legacy.
Fré Cohen's artistic output was remarkably diverse, encompassing linocuts for ex-libris and book covers, drawings, watercolors, posters, medals, and even flags. Museum Het Schip, while possessing a limited collection of her work, collaborates with private collectors, other museums, the Amsterdam City Archives, and the International Institute of Social History (IISG) for this comprehensive overview. The exhibition delves into her social ideals, feminist perspectives, and Jewish inspirations, offering a full spectrum of her artistic contributions. A publication titled 'Fre Cohen: vorm en idealen van de Amsterdamse School' has been released in conjunction with the exhibition, and a detailed oeuvre catalogue, featuring nearly a thousand designs, has also been compiled, underscoring Cohen's immense productivity and versatility.