Kader 1884 - 1952

This design, 'Kader,' was made by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries, though we don’t know exactly when. It’s probably ink on paper, judging by the graphic quality. It reminds me of artists like Hilma af Klint, who explore organic form, although de Vries's design looks more rigid. The design is black ink on a pale ground and features many teardrop shapes arranged to form the frame. There is an anchor at the bottom of the frame, and a kind of stylized bursting pod shape at the top. It's very symmetrical, and very thought out. The precision and repetition of the forms feel very considered. The black ink sits on the surface of the paper with a quiet confidence; it doesn’t blend or bleed. But it's the overall shape that really resonates, the way the frame creates a void within itself, just begging to be filled. It’s like de Vries is saying, “Here’s the structure, now it’s your turn to bring something into being.” And that’s what art is all about, isn’t it? An ongoing exchange of ideas and forms.