Jacqueline de Jong: Visionary Artist Who Defied Norms and Redefined Boundaries

Jacqueline de Jong, a pioneering Dutch artist whose work challenged postwar capitalism and who experienced a late-career resurgence, passed away at the age of 85 in Amsterdam on June 29. Her brother, Philip de Jong, confirmed that her death was due to liver cancer. As a key figure in the Situationist International movement of the 1960s, Jacqueline de Jong merged elements of Dada, Surrealism, and Marxism to critique the societal impacts of capitalism. She founded and curated The Situationist Times, a groundbreaking journal that ran from 1962 to 1967, showcasing a blend of essays, artwork, and innovative graphic design. While she was romantically linked with Asger Jorn, a Danish artist, Jacqueline's creative journey remained distinct from his influence. Despite facing limited recognition for much of her career, she persisted in exploring various artistic styles, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and New Figuration—a movement that rebelled against abstraction. Residing and working in Amsterdam since the 1970s, Jacqueline de Jong also maintained a studio in Bouan, France, since the 1990s. Her artistic repertoire spanned painting, sculpture, and engraving, often venturing into unconventional mediums. Notably, a recent series of her work was inspired by sprouting potatoes discovered in her French cellar, which she transformed into gilded art pieces and jewelry. Jacqueline de Jong's legacy as a rediscovered avant-garde artist who fearlessly challenged societal norms and redefined artistic boundaries will continue to inspire generations of creatives. Her unwavering dedication to artistic exploration and innovative expression leaves an indelible mark on the art world, solidifying her place as a visionary and trailblazer in the realm of contemporary art.