Gerrit de Vries (June 10, 1946) is a self-taught painter who, over the years, has developed into a master of fantastic realism. In his work, he adds elements of fantasy to visible reality, creating a new reality: one that is conceivable, yet simultaneously improbable and alienating. His style thus touches on magical realism, although his paintings often contain elements that are impossible in reality.
His subjects reflect a fascination with transience. Decay and erosion play a key role: abandoned buildings, rusted metal objects, or structures severely affected by the ravages of time. These themes evoke an atmosphere of melancholy and mystery, but also of beauty in decay and transformation.
All of De Vries's paintings are executed in oil on panel. He works with great care and discipline, following a traditional method. First, the panel is prepared with multiple layers of gesso, after which he applies the detailed drawing—for example, the brickwork of buildings in precise perspective. He fixes this drawing with a translucent gesso layer, followed by the underpainting. He then builds up the painting in many layers, waiting until each phase is completely dry. This makes his process time-consuming, but gives the work its remarkable depth and layering. For this reason, he often works on multiple panels simultaneously.
The result is an oeuvre in which reality and fantasy merge, and in which the traces of transience acquire a unique, almost poetic beauty. De Vries creates worlds that are simultaneously familiar and ominous—images that transport you to a reality just beyond our reach.
