Appel, Karel [key], 1921–2006, Dutch painter. A member of CoBrA, the European group of the late 1940s to early 1950s allied with abstract expressionism, Appel reacted against the austerity of such earlier Dutch abstraction as that of de Stijl. Characterized by informal brush work, bright, bold color, a slashing line, and frequently figurative elements, Appel's paintings often possess a primal, childlike quality. Later in life Appel turned to creating figurative sculpture. Examples of his work are in the Museum of Modern Art, New York City, The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C., Boymans–Van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam, and other collections.
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