Minimalism and After
February 2002
New acquisitions
Greg Bogin
Andre Cadere
Martin Gerwers
Gerold Miller
John Nixon
Jan van der Ploeg
Eckhard Schene
Douwe Jan Bakker
1943-1997 Haarlem/NLPronounceables,
1972/73 Dark blue kort serie no. 2,
9 parts in wooden case, wood, oil paint, 33.7 x 85.2 x 14.2 cm
9 Polaroids relating to Pronounceables (no. 2), 1972/73, 8.9 x 115.3 cm)
Two colour photographs (documents) relating to Pronounceables (no. 2), 1973/73, 24 x 36.3 cmDouwe Jan Bakker addressed the relationship between language and the surrounding world throughout his life. In the mid 70s the 'word as image' started to play an essential part in his work as an artist.
The series of Pronounceable arose from this concern. It consists of 236 units, and includes the widest possible variety of abstract and real forms, which the artist collected in little 'cabinets' and arranged like a pictorial encyclopaedia. The word objects are taken out of the case and articulated by a little rod that is used to hold them in someone's mouth, as can be seen on the related Polaroids.
Pronounceables 2 and 3 consist on the one hand of abstract signs like square, circle or triangle coloured black and on the other hand of signs of 'tangible' objects like table, chair or window. Bakker did not manipulate his signs, and did not allot any higher significance to them. They are intended to be exactly what they represent. And yet they evoke richer associations than a mere copy by linking image and idea.
As the Pronounceables have to be placed in someone's mouth in order to function, their definitions can no longer be pronounced, while the objects remain visually recognizable. Language, Bakker's word objects ultimately suggest, is inferior to visual experience, to the image.
Pronounceables,
1972/73 Dark blue silhouette serie no. 3,
13 parts in wooden case, wood, oil paint, 33.4 x 90 x 14.2 cm
13 Polaroids relating to Pronounceables (no. 3), 1972/73, 8.9 x 79.7 cm
Two colour photographs (documents) relating to Pronounceables (no. 3), 1972/73, 24 x 36.3 cm
Guided tours on Wednesdays, 6 p.m., groups book by telephone