Brief aan anoniem 1935

This is a letter by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries, from 1935, and it’s made with ink on paper. The marks are so precise, each letter formed with care, evidence of a steady hand and a clear intention. Looking closely, you can see the subtle variations in pressure, the delicate lines that make up each word, and the consistent, formal structure of the layout. It’s almost like a blueprint, a set of instructions laid out with the precision of an engineer. The overall feeling is a quiet contemplation, a stillness that invites you to slow down and really consider the process of communication and expression. It reminds me of the work of Hanne Darboven, who used writing and repetition as a kind of meditative practice. It celebrates the beauty in the everyday, turning the mundane into something profound and meaningful.