One of the highlights from last auction for me was the set of 16 small collectable books by Cees Andriessen. Simple , highly appealing prints which reminded me of the best works by Willem Hussem. In the coming months all 16 items will become available at www.ftn-books.com
Andriessen’s illustrious 50-year career cemented his position as one of the leading graphic artists in the Netherlands. In 1986, he was the first recipient of the Gelderland Graphics Prize, recognized for his poetic expressiveness and exceptional craftsmanship. Apart from his visual art, Andriessen had a deep love for letters and poetry. Through his foundation, De Witte Mier, he published books that combined his visual work with literature.
Andriessen’s oeuvre mainly consists of relief prints, particularly linocuts and woodcuts, which he printed himself. His graphics are the result of omission and removal. His day in the studio would begin with filling a sheet of paper with notes to process all his ideas. He would then paint over unnecessary pieces with white tempera, leaving only the essential parts behind. The result is abstract, with open space reigning supreme.
