Round shape with 3 little holes - Constant Nieuwenhuys

A minimalist etching by Dutch artist Constant Nieuwenhuys, featuring a circular form intersected by a complex web of lines and three central apertures.

This etching by the Dutch artist Constant Nieuwenhuys, known simply as Constant, presents a study in geometric abstraction and linear tension. The composition centres on a singular, irregular circular form, which appears suspended within the white space of the paper. Within this boundary, a dense network of etched lines intersects, creating a web-like structure that suggests both mechanical precision and organic decay. Three distinct circular voids are positioned near the centre, acting as apertures that draw the eye into the depth of the work.

Constant was a founding member of the CoBrA movement, a group that prioritised spontaneity and experimental techniques in the post-war period. While his later work often moved towards architectural theory and the concept of New Babylon, his graphic output frequently explored the relationship between form and negative space. This piece demonstrates his interest in the physical properties of the etching plate, where the bitten lines provide a tactile quality to the surface. The contrast between the dark, heavy lines and the stark background creates a sense of movement, as if the shape itself is vibrating or undergoing a process of structural breakdown.

The work is numbered 9/20, indicating a limited edition print. The minimalist approach reflects the artist's broader interest in stripping away representational elements to focus on the essential qualities of line and shape. By isolating this form, Constant invites the viewer to consider the object not as a depiction of reality, but as a self-contained entity. The precision of the lines, combined with the deliberate placement of the three holes, suggests a preoccupation with the intersection of industrial design and abstract art. This print offers a clear example of the artist's graphic sensibility, where the economy of means produces a compelling visual dialogue between order and chaos.