Winners Piket Art Prizes 2016: Debbie Young, Alice Godfrey, and Kaatje Kooij

Painting Debbie Young (1990, Glasgow, Scotland)

“Debbie Young’s works have both a literal and figurative layering, where each layer either relativizes or partially obscures the previous one. Sometimes the works blend into a transformed space, while other times they are individual objects on a white wall. This prompts the viewer to look in different ways. The result is explosive, but also vulnerable and personal,” according to the jury.

Dance Alice Godfrey (1994, Windhoek, Namibia, South Africa)

“Alice is a magnetic stage presence. She is a real attention grabber with an intriguing, intense aura, which is simultaneously playful and mysterious. Her talent is evident; she has the body and a healthy dose of madness. She always adds something extra to the choreography with her interpretation,” according to the jury.

Dramatic Arts: Kaatje Kooij (1990, Rotterdam)

“Kaatje Kooij is authentic, serious, and also modest, poetic, and sensitive. She is also independent and sometimes contrary. She seeks out experimentation by stepping outside the beaten path and incorporates a touch of solitude. For instance, she worked on themes that proved to be very delicate for her, which shows strength. Over the past year, she has matured into a more mature actress,” according to the jury.

Piket Jury Award: Leo Spreksel (1950)

“Leo Spreksel embodies what one individual can mean for the development of dance in a city. This began in 1988 when he was appointed as the first dance programmer at the Korzo Theater in The Hague. He understands that young talent can only be connected to the artistic climate of a city through support. Additionally, he raises talent development to a higher level through collaborations with others. Thanks to him, The Hague can rightfully present itself as a dance city of international allure,” according to the jury.

Creative Climate-panel

During the ceremony, a panel discussion took place about The Hague’s creative climate, featuring Joris Wijsmuller, alderman for urban development, housing, sustainability, and culture in The Hague, Marieke Schoenmakers, director of the Royal Academy of Art, Leo Spreksel, artistic director and dance programmer at Korzo Theater, and Cees Debets, director of Theater aan het Spui. Wijsmuller on the Piket Kunstprijzen: “The Piket Kunstprijzen are a great asset to young artists in the region of The Hague. They not only allow talent to develop, but they also strengthen the cultural climate of the city. The awards also reflect the diversity and international character of The Hague, with nominations in various categories and nominees from all corners of the world. A private initiative like the Piket Kunstprijzen adds color to the artistic climate of The Hague.”

About Frederik Hendrik Piket

Frederik Hendrik Piket (1927-2011), a lawyer and member of the First Chamber for the CHU (later CDA), was a great lover of painting, dance, and drama. After his passing, a foundation was established to annually stimulate three young, promising artists under 30 years old with an award.

Photo: Janneke van Beek