Lijst met namen van tijdschriften 1884 - 1952

Editor: This work, "Lijst met namen van tijdschriften," or "List of Names of Magazines," created by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries between 1884 and 1952, is a drawing in pencil on paper. I am struck by the delicate, almost ephemeral quality of the handwriting. What story does this list tell you? Curator: The immediate question for me is: who was this list for and what purpose did it serve? Was it a genuine collection of research avenues, or a private archive, or maybe simply idle play? We can analyse this drawing through its cultural history and placement, to better assess De Vries's role within these various, and potentially conflicted publications, in terms of distribution networks, artistic reputation, and intellectual history. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way! I just assumed it was for the artist's personal use. Is it unusual to see this kind of informal document displayed as art? Curator: It’s all a matter of context. The art world makes many declarations and decides the function that an object might have in an economy of presentation and exhibition. Considering De Vries’ broader practice, does this fragment offer insight to something beyond its literally representational content? Or, did its display depend on an element of chance? Editor: That makes me consider the value we place on "finished" versus "unfinished" works, or even sketches, and how the museum institution plays a part in creating that value. It highlights how presentation is itself an interpretation of the art. Curator: Exactly. And recognizing the public role of art allows us to engage critically with the forces that shape our understanding of these pieces. Editor: I now have a totally different perspective on how to look at this unassuming, simple piece, and a lot to consider regarding cultural value of art in general. Curator: Excellent. I'm glad we could illuminate the ways social context can enrich an object’s history.