Getal 34 1904

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries made 'Getal 34' with ink and paint in black and white. It's interesting to see what artists do with numbers, and the relationship between abstraction and figuration. The artist is clearly invested in decoration, but also in the graphic and architectural properties of the digits themselves. It feels like it emerged through trial and error, and it is playful in the way it explores the contrast between light and dark. I’m sympathizing with the artist here: imagining him thinking about folk art, and the geometry of letters in illuminated manuscripts. He knew the power of the hand. The black ink defines the edges, while the white shapes inside are decorated with little dots, giving it a tactile quality. It’s a simple gesture but it really communicates feeling, and intention. I wonder who influenced him? These artists are always in conversation with each other. I hope this inspires your creativity.