Rudi Mees 1884 - 1952

Curator: Before us, we have "Rudi Mees," a print and drawing from the prolific hand of Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries, dating roughly from 1884 to 1952. The print, crafted with a woodcut technique, presents a figural composition. Editor: You know, the first thing that strikes me is how… absorbed the figure is. Hunched over this drawing board, practically swallowed by it. It’s an almost meditative pose, lost in the act of creation. Curator: Indeed. The act of creation, or artistic generation, is deeply embedded in symbolism. Artists throughout history, in varied depictions, suggest the vital force in nature, humans, and gods. Editor: It's the hair, too! It's almost like a curtain hiding the artist. Very enigmatic. It certainly adds to the intimate feeling, like we're peering into a private moment of pure focus. I'm also intrigued by the classical pedestal upon which the figure is seated, as it does stand in some contrast to the very abstracted human form. Curator: That contrast is quite insightful. The figure's hidden face could represent humility. It’s a powerful representation— the human figure almost loses itself entirely in the devotion to the process. Even now, people feel as if it echoes themes in modernity or contemporary portraiture. Editor: It's that universal artist struggle! Lost to their inspiration. The lines and limited palette are surprisingly powerful, giving a real raw feeling to the scene. The woodcut almost gives an archaic feel that is offset against a quite modernist figure. It makes you wonder what he was thinking, and what inspired the author. Curator: Well, this has offered me some new avenues for interpreting de Vries' work! I see themes echoed from prehistory that suggest larger cultural meanings behind images of makers. Editor: For me, it has given an immediate sense of the beauty found in the moments when we are absolutely engaged in the process of creation, whatever it may be.