The ’Vanity of Certain Flowers Part Two’ is already the fourth monograph book by Belgian artist Peter De Potter and the conceptual follow-up to his ‘The Vanity of Certain Flowers’ book from 2016. Again the theme of this book is the act of retreat as an invigorating force and method of self-improvement. In an elaborate, feed-like series of images, De Potter explores the idea of retreat in his now signature, instantly recognizable style. The book is also available as an Art Edition limited to 50 copies that come with a signed 20 x 26.5 cm Ilford Gold Fibre Gloss fine art print, an exclusive Peter De Potter bag, and an A5 artist booklet.
We read : “Staged in suburban strips of nature or homely, everyday spaces, these images often have a contemplative, ceremonial quality, hinting at devotional practice. Ascesis and abandon, mystery and frisson, tension and elation : They all co-exist in this visualization of a mind – and body – in retreat. In this light, ‘The Vanity of Certain Flowers Part Two’ is a fully-rounded story in itself, with the images functioning as a series of instructions, warnings, allegories, visions and daydreams.
The body, a constant element in De Potter’s work, is agile, unhindered, unhurried. Yet the proverbial worm in the apple is exposed as well. Shot throughout the book are visual elements that speak of dread, unrest and menace, especially in the images De Potter calls his ‘sinister club flyers’, stark graphic works composed with snippets from a multitude of downloaded, cut-up and deconstructed medieval and pre-20th century woodcuts, cartoons and illustrations.
Within this book, De Potter more than ever wants to acknowledge he’s an artist from the Lowlands. Seemingly deserted Antwerp suburbia, medieval town squares in Ghent, a modernist chapel in his birthplace Kerselare-Oudenaarde : In ‘The Vanity of Certain Flowers Part Two’, these all feel like humble landmarks that pinpoint his narrative. The Dutch language is also prominently used, with each of the 112 plates accompanied by an absurdist ‘flower name’ written in Dutch.” MENDO was founded by Roy Rietstap and Joost Albronda and is co-owned by Gunifort Uwambaga.
About – Peter De Potter is a Belgian artist who currently lives and works in Antwerp. In his work, he has developed his own unique method, blending his photography and video with his poetry, slogans, graphics, montage and appropriations into an idiosyncratic visual language that resonates in the fields of art, fashion and contemporary online culture. De Potter is notable for choosing not to follow a traditional path in the art world, preferring to showcase complete series and projects directly on the Internet.
Peter De Potter and MENDO present : ‘The Vanity of Certain Flowers Part Two’. Available exclusively at MENDO. Limited to 750 copies worldwide. Release date: Beginning of August 2021. Pre-order now and receive a signed copy. GoSee : mendo.nl//the-vanity-of-certain-flowers-part-two