Podium Centraal: Anne de Vries

With Save the World, artist Anne de Vries presents a striking sculpture on Stationsplein in Utrecht. At first glance, the eight-metre-high installation resembles an old, bare tree. Up close, it becomes clear that the sculpture is made of plastic. Cut-outs in the trunk form a grimace, while a side branch resembles a warning finger. The tree thus seems to convey a message, but exactly what that message is remains open to interpretation. Is the tree warning us, or is it holding up a mirror to us?

In his work, De Vries explores how technology influences our perception of reality. By manipulating familiar images, he blurs the line between real and unreal, inviting viewers to reconsider the meaning of images and objects. With Save the World, Stationsplein gains a sculpture that not only attracts attention but also raises questions about our relationship with the world around us.