Bobbi Essers and Ricardo van Eyk receive Royal Award for Modern Painting

The award is linked to a financial sum of 9,000 euros. During his speech prior to the ceremony, King Willem-Alexander stated: ‘Anyone who wants to see the young artists who are standing out in the Netherlands, can see a wonderful overview here of the current state of painting art.’

Bobbi Essers graduated in 2022 with her paintings, that give an intimate and zoomed-in view of the daily life of her and her friends. From the jury report: ‘the jury is persuaded by the artful ways in which Essers manages to capture the intimacy between friends, unashamed and affectionately, thereby making us a part of her life experience and the circle of friends that is so dear to her.’

Ricardo van Eyk graduated in 2016. He has developed a visual language with his painting skills that is derived from the everyday environment of weathered and damaged buildings and objects. The works seem mysterious’, according to the jury. ‘The imagery is elusive, difficult to grasp, but never ceases to fascinate.’

Artist in Residence

Van Eyk returned to his old academy in 2022 as Artist in Residence at HKU Fine Art, where he excelled in his role as inspirator for the new cohort of fine artists.

The Royal Price was introduced in 1871 by King Willem III to encourage painters below age 35 to and to draw more public attention to their works.

Exposition

The exposition of the works of Essers, Van Eyk and Oussou, along with all the other nominees, is on display from 7 October to 5 November in the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.