"The Cow" Reduces Anxiety

"Composition VIII (The Cow)" by Theo van Doesburg (1918) De Stijl [MOMA]

Theo van Doesburg’s Composition VIII The Cow (1917–1918) is more than just a striking example of De Stijl abstraction—it is a testament to the power of minimalism in fostering mindfulness and reducing anxiety. Through geometric simplification and primary colors, van Doesburg transforms a natural form into a structured composition that promotes focus, mental clarity, and emotional balance. His work not only embodies the De Stijl philosophy of 'Universal Harmony' but also parallels modern mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT), which has been shown to alleviate stress and enhance well-being.

From Realism to Abstraction: A Path to Mental Clarity

Before the 20th century, Western art was predominantly representational, striving for realistic depictions of the physical world. However, with the rise of Impressionism, Expressionism, and Cubism, artists began to explore abstraction as a means of emotional and conceptual expression. De Stijl, founded in 1917 by van Doesburg, sought to establish a universal visual language through geometric abstraction, primary colors, and compositional harmony.

In Composition VIII The Cow, van Doesburg systematically reduces a cow’s form to its essential geometric elements, mirroring Pablo Picasso’s Bull lithograph series. The painting features 14 individual shapes, each intentionally placed to evoke both emotion and structure. A central yellow square acts as a focal point, suggesting the sunlit body of the cow, while black, green, blue, and red provide contextual cues—blue for sky, green for grass—bridging the gap between nature and geometry. This distillation of form encourages viewers to engage with the painting on a purely perceptual level, fostering an active, immersive experience.

Van Doesburg's Cow Compositions.

Visual Harmony and Mindfulness

De Stijl’s pursuit of harmony aligns closely with mindfulness principles. Van Doesburg believed that reality could be reconstructed in its purest form, stating, “The stronger the aesthetic experience, the more completely will the objective, natural appearance of the object… be annihilated.” This emphasis on essential elements encourages viewers to focus on the present moment, much like mindfulness practices that teach individuals to observe thoughts without attachment.

By eliminating unnecessary detail and emphasizing balance, De Stijl compositions create a sense of visual equilibrium, mirroring the psychological benefits of meditation. Van Doesburg himself noted that, while perfect harmony may be unattainable, everything in the universe is governed by its laws. This structured approach to art provides a sense of order that can help reduce anxiety and promote calm.

Art as a Tool for Emotional Regulation

The structured compositions of De Stijl art encourage meditative contemplation, a key aspect of mindfulness-based art therapy. MBAT integrates mindfulness exercises with creative expression, helping individuals regulate emotions and reduce stress. Studies have shown that mindfulness-based practices can significantly improve mental health, as evidenced by a study on MBAT for women with cancer, which found a marked reduction in distress symptoms and improved quality of life.

Van Doesburg’s Composition VIII The Cow serves as a compelling case for how abstraction can function beyond aesthetics—as a tool for psychological well-being. Its clean lines, deliberate placement of shapes, and absence of excess detail create a mental space where anxieties can be alleviated. By inviting viewers to engage in a meditative experience, the painting demonstrates that abstraction is not just an artistic choice but a powerful means of fostering mental clarity and emotional balance.

Conclusion

Through Composition VIII The Cow, van Doesburg showcases how structured minimalism can lead to mindfulness and reduced anxiety. By transforming a recognizable form into its most essential geometric elements, he not only advances the ideals of De Stijl but also provides a visual pathway to calm and contemplation. In a world often overwhelmed by complexity, the simplicity and harmony of De Stijl abstraction offer a much-needed refuge for the mind.

Citations

Fabre, Gladys C., Doris Wintgens Hötte, Tate Modern (Gallery), and Stedelijk Museum "De Lakenhal" (Leiden, Netherlands). Van Doesburg & the International Avant-Garde: Constructing a New World. London: Tate Publishing, 2009.

Guggenheim Museum. "Theo van Doesburg." Guggenheim, n.d.https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/theo-van-doesburg.

Janssen, Hans, and Michael White, Ph.D. The Story of De Stijl: Mondrian to Van Doesburg. New York: Abrams, 2011.

Monti, Daniel A. "Psycho-Oncology: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Mindfulness‐Based Art Therapy (MBAT) for Women with Cancer." Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England) 15, no. 5 (May 2006). Accessed February 11, 2025.

The Museum of Modern Art. "De Stijl." MoMA, n.d. https://www.moma.org/collection/terms/de-stijl.

White, Michael. De Stijl and Dutch Modernism. Manchester; New York: Manchester University Press, 2003.

Van Doesburg, Theo. Principles of Neo-Plastic Art. Translated by Donald E. Gordon. Edited by Walter Gropius and László Moholy-Nagy. Bauhausbücher 6. Munich: Albert Langen, 1925.