figelijke

Figelijke is a term used in contemporary art history and design theory to describe a visual language that foregrounds the figure as a modular, repeatable unit within a composition. Works associated with figelijke typically assemble simplified, geometric figures—such as circles, triangles, and rectangles—into larger layouts where meaning emerges from arrangement, rhythm, and repetition rather than from detailed rendering.

Origin and etymology of the term are not tied to a single author or movement. It is generally treated as a descriptive label that blends the English word figure with a suffix reminiscent of Dutch linguistic tradition, reflecting a habit of theorists to form adjectives for visual styles. The term began appearing in design criticism and academic discussions in the early 2010s and has since circulated in discussions of modularity, graphic rhythm, and schematic representation.

Characteristics commonly associated with figelijke include modular construction, clear grid-based organization, emphasis on figure motifs, and the use of flat color fields with minimal shading. The style often prioritizes legibility and scalability, making it popular in editorial illustration, information design, and digital media where quick visual parsing is important. It is frequently discussed in relation to geometric abstraction and minimalist approaches, while being distinguished by its persistent focus on representational figures as the primary carriers of meaning.

Applications and examples are found across graphic design, illustration, and visualization practices. Critics note that figelijke can offer strong communicative clarity and reproducibility, but some observers argue that excessive schematicism risks reducing nuance and expressive variety. As a live field of critique, figelijke continues to evolve with evolving design tools and cultural contexts.