Herman de Vries Book order

The narrative explores Herman de Vries' personal quest to uncover his family's history, particularly focusing on his grandfather Levie's deportation during WWII. Through his search, Herman pieces together the impact of the war on his family, revealing deep emotional struggles tied to his Jewish heritage and Christian faith. As a minister and father, he grapples with identity and the challenges of reconciling these aspects of his life. Ultimately, the book conveys a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing love and life as guiding forces.

As part of the 54th International Art Exhibition- la Biennale di Venezia, Personal Structures showcases 28 artists from 12 countries across 5 continents. This exhibition, held in 24 rooms at the prestigious Palazzo Bembo near the Rialto Bridge, features a mix of established and lesser-known artists united by their exploration of Time, Space, and Existence. Curated by Karlyn De Jongh and Sarah Gold, each room is dedicated to a single artist, creating a unique atmosphere through their strong statements. The diverse range of artistic media includes videos, sculptures, paintings, photographs, light installations, wallpaper, and performance art. Personal Structures is part of an international art project initiated in 2002 by Dutch artist Rene Rietmeyer, who recognized that artists worldwide engage with these themes in deeply personal ways. This insight inspired the creation of publications, exhibitions, and symposia to bring these artists together. Each artwork presented is either site-specific or drawn from the artist's studio, emphasizing the contemporary relevance of their work.