The work of Hans Waanders, a Netherlands artist, employs and subverts conventional scientific techniques such as etymology, classification, archiving, and comparison of specimens. However, beneath these techniques lies an obsessive and controlling impulse driven by a sense of loss. This loss stems from a memorable moment that Waanders witnessed along the river Maas on October 4th, 1982 – the first sighting of a kingfisher. From that moment on, his work was consumed by a yearning to see this beautiful bird again, manifested in an all-encompassing desire to collect and document information about it.
Waanders’ dedication to his subject persisted throughout the years, resulting in an extensive body of work that intensely profiles the kingfisher. Similar to the pursuit of any great detective story, Waanders immersed himself in his prey, seeking to understand and capture it with utmost perfection. He believed that the more he knew, and the closer he identified with the kingfisher, the closer he could come to it.
As Waanders’ life came to an end in 2001, he left behind an invaluable legacy. His estate, a universe of its own, is a remarkable attempt to appropriate the life of the kingfisher. With over 200 published books, a plethora of prints, stamps, and multiples, his wish was to continue sharing and showcasing his work to the world.
www.ftn-books.com recently added 2 scarce Waanders items to its collection.
