Paul deVree

Biography

Paul de Vree (1909, Antwerp, Belgium–1982, Antwerp, Belgium) was a Belgian poet, critic, and visual artist known for his pioneering role in concrete and visual poetry. His work blended text and image, challenging traditional literary forms and pushing the boundaries of poetic expression within the avant-garde movement. de Vree initially focused on traditional poetry, publishing his early works in the 1930s. Over time, he moved toward experimental literature, incorporating visual and typographic elements into his poetry. His artistic evolution aligned with post-war avant-garde movements, where he explored the intersection of language, politics, and media through visual poetry. In 1953, he co-founded the literary magazine De Tafelronde, which became a key platform for experimental poetry and remained active until 1981. His engagement with the avant-garde deepened through collaborations with international poets and artists. In 1971, he partnered with Sarenco, an Italian visual poet, to launch Lotta Poetica, a publication that promoted radical artistic practices. This was followed by Factotum Art (1977–1982), further expanding his influence in Poesia Visiva, a movement that fused poetry with visual art to critique contemporary society. De Vree’s work often addressed political and social themes, utilizing bold typography, photography, and collage techniques to create works that blurred the lines between poetry, activism, and conceptual art. His influence extended beyond his creations, as he played a key role in publishing, organizing exhibitions, and fostering avant-garde networks across Europe.

Artworks (2)