all of this

The artist herman de vries (b. 1931, Alkmaar, Netherlands) invites us to perceive nature not as a resource, but as a living, self-determined agent—as a work of art in its own right. Influenced by his early work in biological research, de vries applies scientific methods to his artistic practice in order to make the “reality” of nature visible.

Since the 1970s, herman de vries has been a collector and mediator of nature’s “works.” His artistic practice encompasses installations featuring stones, flowers, wood, and other materials he finds in nature. He creates his famous earth rubbings, arranges leaves from various plants, and transforms his walks into performative acts of perception. System and chance go hand in hand in this process. Philosophical reflections play a central role in his artistic engagement with the world, and poetry also becomes an important means of expression. de vries’ artistic practice unites art, life, and nature into a cosmos beyond opposites.

The exhibition at MQ Freiraum showcases the fascinating work of the 93-year-old artist—work that is radical in its immediacy and modesty—through a variety of key installations, wall pieces, and text-based works from the past 50 years.

Curated by Cees de Boer and Verena Kaspar-Eisert .

Supported by the Mondriaan Fund.

Herman de Vries, Steigerwald Cosmology, 2008/2010, Photo: Studio Herman de Vries / Joana Schwender