Trained as a biologist and naturalist, herman de vries knows how to create scientific collections. After making major contributions to the avant-garde ZERO-movement, de vries started implementing his knowledge of biological collections in his artistic practice.
In de vries’ works, the notions “chance” and “change” are most important. By observing nature meticulously, de vries is able to make an intervention in the developments at exactly the right time. His approach “nature is art” is evident in the carefully gathered fragments he collects from the outdoors. Nothing in nature is identical; each leaf is unique. By systematically ordering his findings, de vries directs the spectator to recognize the abundance of nature.
In ‘journal de la gomera’, de vries captures his understanding of the Spanish Canary Island La Gomera. The flora and fauna of the volcanic island have inspired the artist to create a testament to his experience of the place, a journal of findings. By meticulously observing his surroundings, de vries managed to interfere precisely when and where he wished, taking small parts of the island with him. By careful handling and conscientious categorization, de vries was able to create an overview of the island, a story told through 52 frames. His ‘journal de la gomera’ is a spectacular work within de vries’ oeuvre, encapsulating the earth and its root systems, up to the plants and the traces of insects they carry, the bunnies hopping through the forests and birds floating through the sky. A true testament to the ecosystem herman de vries so carefully captured.