Herman Lamers "Omega"

'Herman Lamers, initiator of the Jan Haanzaal in Groningen, has left for Rotterdam', Max Bruinsma wrote in De Optocht, the paper about artists' initiatives (De Appel 4, 1984). The room in which Lamers (and Bas Lugthart) had exhibited architectonic sculptures had been deserted. A couple of years before, also in Groningen, he had set up 'De Bakkerij' (The Bakery). Empty rooms, come across by chance, inspire Herman Lamers to work based on the limitations of walls, floors and ceilings. But the sculptures need not relate to the space merely in form. In the A-church in Groningen Lamers created a work he called Altaar (Altar) (1984). A cross-beam has been fitted between steel vertical beams below the middle. On it are placed two turned shapes of wood which remind one of candles; they are entwined with spiralling electricity cable, gas tube and iron. An 'aureole' of barbed wire crowns the altar. In 1985, Lamers placed some large screens of glass, Venetian blinds and mirror on the beach at Vlissingen at right angles to the sea. Every screen outlined, marked off or reflected the view. For the latest Perfo-manifestation Lamers made gigantic sculptures in a factory in Schiedam. At first sight they are abstract in form, but sometimes one can distinguish an eye, ear, mouth or heart. The architecture of the sculpture itself is emphasized by the contrast of its large dimensions with frragile materials like silver-foil, cardboard and aluminium. Same of them have a transparent structure because they are composed exclusively of contours. Herman Lamers (1954) is working on an installation in De Appel which will be on show from 8 November up and till 22 November.’ ('Herman Lamers. Installation', Newsletter De Appel, 1 (1986) 4.)