KEK shows comic work by Frits Smid: ‘A book full of visual surprises’

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Regional

BEVERWIJK – Even though illustrator Frits Smid no longer lives in Beverwijk, he remains firmly connected to his birthplace. Every week he provides the Noordhollands Dagblad with his drawn commentary on the vicissitudes in the IJmond. In addition, this former City Poet of Beverwijk makes the program posters for Café Camille, his old favorite pub. An overview of these posters (480!) was previously exhibited at KEK. This time he comes to Beverwijk for an exhibition dedicated to his latest work: the comic book La bande dessinée de DRS. P. Original drawings from this book will be exhibited from May 7 to June 16.

Frits is known for his ‘clear line’. No cleaning or fuss. His drawings, cartoons and comics are clear and accurate. That does not mean that there is little to see. On the contrary. La bande dessinée, in which he wrote a series of well-known songs by DRS. P in a comic strip form is full of details and special finds. He also drew each song in a different style. One time in black and white, like his ‘beautiful’ version of Dodenrit, the other time in black, lead gray and fire red (the beautiful ‘The land is tired’) and the third time in flower power-like colours. No matter how different, there is always one constant in his work. Just like DRS. P himself, Frits knows how to expose the absurdity of ordinary life.

He belongs to the small group of illustrators who have more to offer than providing a supporting drawing or illustration. So he joins in La bande dessinée not slavishly based on the original of the DRS that he so admired. P, but he creates a new world. Full of horrors and jokes. And all in that irresistible clear line. The comic book, which was published in 2022, attracted a lot of attention from sophisticated comic book enthusiasts and the national press. Trouw praised his ‘beautiful’ black and white drawings. Ivo de Wijs, member of the Heen-en Weerschap, an institute that safeguards the legacy of Drs. P spoke warmly of the book, which, according to him, contains many ‘visual surprises’.

On Saturday, May 11, every fan of DRS. P. or Frits Smid are encouraged to be present at the opening (4 p.m.). There will be live music from Wijk aan Zeeer David van Aalderen, who will undoubtedly perform with some well-known songs from DRS. P will go on and on, including perhaps Dodenrit, Veerpont (‘To and Fore’) or the Gezusters Karamazov (‘Aunt Constance and Aunt Mathilde’). And Frits himself will be there to sign his book.