Winners of the Piket Art Prizes 2017: Julien Guettab, Astrid Boons and Bram Suijker

Painting: Julien Guettab

From the jury report: “Julien Guettab creates dreamy and precise, almost meditative, yet explicit work. From the very first moment, both jury members were captivated by the small, intimate watercolors and drawings by this artist. Inspired by books, the painter seems to be working on a completely unique and extraordinary encyclopedia. Instead of seeking to align with common trends or styles in contemporary art, this artist looks inward and presents the viewer with a personal glimpse into his inner world. In doing so, he shapes his memories, fears, and fantasies, prompting the viewer to associate and fantasize about his work. His drive and dedication strongly suggest that this painter desires nothing more than to create this delicate yet powerful work.”

Dance: Astrid Boons

From the jury report: “As a dancer, Astrid Boons has built an impressive career, dancing with NDT 2 and the GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, among others. In recent years, she has also focused on choreography. In this capacity, she was nominated for the Piket Art Prizes. In 2016, Astrid returned to the Netherlands and made a strong impression with the duet Rhizoma. For an emerging choreographer, she shows an unusual maturity: she brings a strong intensity to her work and has a subtle sense of pacing that allows her to maintain the tension until the very end. It is remarkable that she has already developed such delicate qualities so early in her career as a choreographer.”

Dramatic Arts: Bram Suijker

From the jury report: “Bram is an actor who continuously evolves. He convinced the jury this year with his role in the play The Collected Works of Shakespeare (abridged). In this, he shows many different facets of himself. He is fully present from the very first moment and draws the audience in, but he also knows how to pace himself. He is believable and conveys emotion and humor during a performance. Bram can transform himself very well; he knows how to use his voice and body, which makes him convincing in his roles. His enjoyment in performing also shines through. Over the past year, he has grown in such a way that he can now carry a performance as an actor. The jury sees that he has become more independent and mature. He has already been connected to the National Theatre for several years, and with that, to The Hague.”

Piket Jury Prize: Rebecca van Leeuwen (1952)

The Piket Jury Prize rewards an individual for their cultural activities in the Hague region, especially when these are directed towards or benefit young artists. From the jury report:

“Rebecca van Leeuwen, as the founder, director, teacher, and manager of Youth Theater School Rabarber, has had a significant influence on many children and young people in The Hague for years. With boundless energy and passion, she conveys the magic of theater to a young audience. Van Leeuwen started Rabarber in 1985 and developed what was then the Children’s Theater Van Alles Wat into a well-known institution in The Hague and one of the largest (youth) theater schools in the Netherlands. Many well-known actors took their first steps here. The Piket Art Prizes also recognize the influence of Rabarber: David Geysen (dramatic arts jury member), Jos Nargy (2015 nominated for dramatic arts), and Karel van Laere (dramatic arts winner 2014) all took classes here. Rabarber plays an important role as a springboard for professional theater talent, but under Van Leeuwen’s passionate leadership, it has also become an indispensable place for youth theater and amateur art in The Hague. In this theater house, children can develop themselves and their talents while having fun.”

Collaboration We Are Public

From now on, the Piket Art Prizes will collaborate with the cultural platform We Are Public, which compiles a monthly cultural agenda. From now on, the nominees for the Piket Art Prizes will also be included in this agenda. The Piket Art Prizes and We Are Public will give each other attention and stimulate young artists by publishing about them. We Are Public is now active in multiple cities, and our nominees also exhibit and perform in various locations.

Piket Art Prizes

The Piket Art Prizes, awarded by the Mr. F.H. Piket Foundation, support young artists under 30 years old in the disciplines of painting, dance, and dramatic arts. The prize has been awarded since 2014. Each year, each winner receives a check worth 8,000 euros. An award is also designed every year by a well-known visual artist, which the winners and nominees receive during the ceremony. This year, the award was created by artist Florentijn Hofman, who personally handed out the awards last night. Following the ceremony, the expert juries will also have a feedback conversation with the winners, which will cover career advice and creative support.

Photo: Janneke van Beek