De harmonie der sferen 1976

Harrie Gerritz created this serene print, "De harmonie der sferen," using screen printing, a process that allows for bold, flat colors and crisp lines. The inks, laid down in precise layers, give the image its distinctive graphic quality. The technique itself carries a fascinating history, evolving from industrial applications to become a staple in the world of art, offering a relatively accessible means of production. Here, Gerritz uses it to depict a scene of quiet contemplation, balancing the domestic with the celestial. Note the flattened perspective and simplified forms – the candle, the notebook, the stars – each rendered with an evenness of tone that speaks to the democratic nature of the medium. Screen printing democratizes art making, allowing artists to create multiples and engage with a broader audience. It challenges the traditional hierarchy of art by embracing reproducibility and the aesthetics of the everyday. This print, with its harmonious composition and thoughtful execution, invites us to reconsider the boundaries between art, craft, and the technologies that bring them to life.