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Tilburg has a New Vincent!

On Sunday, Dec. 17, Alderman Marcelle Hendrickx announced who is The New Vincent 2023: Sophie Berkien. Sophie excelled at making portraits, among other things, and she clearly learned a lot during the process. The announcement of The New Vincent took place in Kunstpodium T and is at the same time the opening of the exhibition of the work of all participants who participated in the talent trajectory of Vincent's Tekenlokaal. The course also takes place at the Van Gogh locations in Zundert and Nuenen. Next year Etten-Leur will also join.

Images: Maria van der Heyden

Art Prize Winner

"I dream of painting, and then I paint my dream" a quote Vincent van Gogh wrote in one of his letters. Councilor Hendrickx cited this in her inspiring speech, in which she emphasized the importance of art and cultural education and artist process. Then was the big moment when all participants were allowed to come forward and receive feedback on their work. To loud applause, winner Sophie Berkien was announced. "Sophie overwhelmed the judges with a strong story about the process. The work exudes a kind of naturalness. It is a source of virtuoso talent," the jury report said.

The Jury

The jury this year consisted of Paul van Dongen (artist), Klaartje Esch (managing director Kunstpodium T) and Tyrell Kuipers (artist and working for Ateliers Tilburg). This trio did not have an easy task this year either. The level was high and they worked very hard, resulting in strong growth among all participants. Still, a winner rolled out. This was determined on the basis of a number of criteria: mastery of technique, talent, execution, learning process and own style.

Other participants

The other participants were: Abigail Cools, Amelia Struzikowska, Cebrian Beekers, Dieck van Daal, Efsa Lina Dogan, Elise van Zandwijk, Frédérique Hoogveld, Jasmijn de Nijs, Kik van der Meulen, Lili Bodó, Maas Bonants, Samuel Batenburg, Sanne Uijtendaal and Veerle Roos van Dinten. Vincent's Tekenlokaal is in any case very proud of all the New Vincenten passion for research and the challenge they took up.

The source of inspiration for this talent program is Vincent van Gogh, who as a 13-year-old boy took drawing lessons at the HBS in Tilburg; the place where Vincent's Tekenlokaal is located. The young artists of today were presented with a varied program of lessons by teachers from Vincent's Tekenlokaal, supplemented by guest teachers. They got to work with new techniques and methods. In addition, there were master classes by, among others, Golden Brush winner Djenné Fila, artist Paul van Dongen and Marjolein Schalk of Wobby.club. Participants from all participating Van Gogh locations also visited the North Brabant Museum together.

Talent development & craftsmanship

'The New Vincent' is an initiative of Vincent's Drawing Room for young people between 10 and 14 years old who love nothing more than drawing. They competed for a place by submitting their most inspiring drawings. From these, 15 artists were selected, who followed an intensive process from May onwards. The exhibition and appointment of "The New Vincent" was the final piece of the talent program. The goal of the program is for the participating young people to further develop their talent, discover their signature and build a portfolio.

Additional information

  • Exhibit hours: Dec. 20 to 23, Dec. 27 to 30, Jan. 3 to 6 (all days 1 to 5 p.m.). The December 17 unveiling is a private event.
  • Location: Kunstpodium T, Noordstraat 105, Tilburg
  • Admission: Free

Are you inspired and want to know more? Then check out the website from Vincent's Tekenlokaal.

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