Adya & Otto van Rees. At the Heart of the Avant-Gardes: The Montmartre Museum Exhibition

Reflecting the spirit of the 20th century they inhabited, these two Dutch artists pushed the boundaries of creativity, challenging conventions and traditional norms, in pursuit of innovation and the purest expression of their worldview. Though they are significant figures in modern art, they remain relatively unknown to the general public.

The Montmartre Museum shines a spotlight on Adya and Otto van Rees in a unique retrospective exhibition, open from March 20 to September 13, 2026. Artists, lovers, parents, creators — Adya and Otto reveal themselves through their works in this special showcase.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Adya (Adrienne) and Otto developed a deep passion for art at a young age, exploring its many expressions. They dabbled in painting, textiles, graphics, sculpture, embroidery, and decorative arts. The exhibition features a hundred or so works that showcase not only the evolution of these two artists but also the key moments of their personal lives.

This retrospective offers a chronological look at a life shaped by art, world upheavals, and both poignant and joyful encounters and events.

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Beginning in 1904, the van Rees couple settled in Montmartre, the vibrant artistic hub of Paris. There, they mingled with some of the era's most prominent figures, such as Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, Georges Braque, and Kees van Dongen. Drawn by the spirit of modernity, their work reflects a deep curiosity and a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation, guiding them toward new and pioneering practices.

Over the years, the two artists experiment with Cubism and take part in a Dada exhibition. Their journey also leads them through Cloisonnism and Divisionism, eventually paving the way towards early Abstraction.

The exhibition also explores their travels across Europe and their family life, which served as a major inspiration for Adya. The artist, renowned for her textile art, has also experimented with creating children’s toys.

These genre-blending styles, emerging artistic movements, and unconventional mediums continue to spark debate in the art world. Adya and Otto evoke mixed reactions—some praise them, others dismiss them. As a female artist, Adya often struggles to gain recognition despite her status as an independent, empowered, and highly active creator.

Adya and Otto each have their own preferred medium and unique body of work. Yet, their collaboration reveals a rich dialogue, a shared influence, a connection that binds them both personally and professionally. They share numerous passions, and this close bond is reflected in the spirit of their creations.

The exhibition continues to explore the tragedy that struck the van Rees family: in 1919, their eldest daughter passed away following a severe train accident, which also injured Adya, Otto, and their other two children. This heartbreaking event deeply affects the couple, prompting them to embrace a more expressive style of art. Subsequently, both artists return to more traditional painting, focusing on still lifes, portraits, and landscapes.

The Musée de Montmartre invites visitors to explore the lives of two captivating figures from the 20th century. This exhibition aims to shed new light on the fascinating stories of Adya and Otto van Rees.