Jan Cremer Art Rugs and Carpets
Click to learn moreShowing the single result
Showing the single result
Your Cart
Learn More About Vintage Jan Cremer Rugs and Carpet Collection
View our entire collection of art rugs and carpets by famous artists
“I observe and am invisible.” The essence of Jan Cremer, the acknowledgement of himself, is found in this statement. He is a man whose wanderlust has taken him to many places making him everywhere present, while hidden in plain sight.
Jan Cremer, born April 20, 1940 in Enschede, Netherlands at the start of the Second World War is many things. He is a graphic artist and painter, a self described globe trotting journalist, a planetary reporter, and a writer of international renown. His humble beginnings, however, might have suggested otherwise.
At the age of two his father died; three years later he is taken from his mother and made a ward of the state. His life became a series of foster homes and families from which he often ran away.
Out of that unimaginable existence came a major artistic talent who literally owes his life to art. It has been said that art, both written and painted, was a “life raft” for this war orphan who was also a young rogue with an insatiable desire to learn.
In 1964 when he was just twenty four years old, Cremer published a rather salacious autobiography titled “I Jan Cremer”. The I Jan Cremer autobiography catapulted him into the public limelight and spotlight. Cremer’s provocative writing, his chaotic lifestyle, and his beautiful and meaningful paintings caused the world to take pause and gaze upon that which had once been unnoticed.
Cremer has an exceptional eye for graphic art. This was apparent even at the tender age of fifteen while a student of Johan Haandra. In his first linocut, (a design or form carved in relief on a block of linoleum) Women with Sword his exceptional talent was obvious.
Cremer’s rough life style introduced him to a lot of artists and artistic styles one of which was the work of Karel Appel. Appel was an early influence in Cremer’s life opening for him an entirely new creative world. In 1955 in Rotterdam while Appel worked on his famous E55 (Expo) murals, Cremer had the dubious honor of handing the master his paintbrushes. That may seem insignificant to many, but it was while there, that the influence of Appel showed up in the art works of Cremer in the form of birds and cats. It was here that the red color became the dominant color in his work.
Another influence in Cremer’s life was his friendship with Frank O’Hara. O’Hara was a poet who also worked as a curator at the Museum of Modern Art. The two met in Amsterdam where O’Hara was mounting an art exhibition of the works of Franz Kline.
Cremer spent several days in O’Hara’s company often quoting him in the Haagse Post. Their friendship grew, and as a testament to Cremer’s artistic talent and their friendship, O’Hara chose a series of gouache paintings (a method of painting using opaque pigments ground in water and thickened with a glue like substance), from Cremer’s studio and wrote ten poems for them.
The sudden and tragic death of Frank O’Hara in 1966 devastated Cremer. Several years later Cremer, produces a series of screen prints that celebrated the New York Dutch landscape and the Dutch masters.
Reminiscing about his friend moved Cremer into a different place. It was during this time that he began to paint as if telling a story about Holland, evoking memories of his past, from the magnificent Land of Tulips.
In 1965 Jan’s first field of tulips is introduced to the modern art world. His stylized flowers, tulips in the shape of a heart blooming up towards a vivid blue color of the empty sky. This symbol, the tulips and hearts has become the leitmotif of Cremer’s life and style.
a month ago
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
4 years ago
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
4 years ago
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
a year ago
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
4 years ago
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!