The Dutch artist Adriaan Lubbers was born in Amsterdam in 1892. He studied mechanical engineering at the MTS. His father, a well-to-do estate agent, wasn’t thrilled by the idea that Lubbers preferred an artistic career. That’s why Lubbers drew and painted in his free time. In 1914 he decided to fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming an artist.

He worked alongside several painters as Leo van Gestel and his work in this period can be related to the Bergense School. From 1916-1919 and 1926-1928 Lubbers lived in New York and got inspired by the city. His works remain a great record of New York architecture and atmosphere between the first and second world wars. After America Lubbers lived in Paris, where he met Piet Mondriaan and his work.

Lubbers’ style is characterised by energetic expressionism and cubistic elements. He painted with rough brush strokes. Lubbers sometimes even used the back of his paintbrush to create lines.