Search results
Sort results
Select author
Refine search results
Select genre
Select tag
The Afterglow of the Van Gogh Comet
21 November 2024
In a short life and an even shorter existence as an artist, Vincent van Gogh drew and painted an extensive oeuvre that pushed art history in new directions. The glow of the comet that was Van Gogh continues to twinkle, as is evident in three books that reveal new aspects of his life: his drawings st
Discovering 16th Century Antwerp While Pinching Your Nose
23 September 2024
When it comes to history, we know sixteenth-century Antwerp mainly through the gaze of merchants, artists and intellectuals. But who else was walking around there? What did the international city sound like? How did it smell? With the cathedral as the focal point, Wendy Wauters describes the city on
From Street Murals to Graphic Novels: Brecht Evens’ Artistic Odyssey
20 September 2024
Monochrome characters and Escher-type lizards populate the gouaches of Flemish comic book artist Brecht Evens. His sophisticated style has earned him the Bronzen Adhemar, a prize that already ranks him, despite being only thirty-something, among the greats of comic books in the Low Countries. Eve
The Seaside Resort Where Mondrian Went Modern
16 September 2024
Known for its wide beaches and cycling paths, Domburg is a popular getaway for tourists in the Netherlands. However, this coastal town also has a rich artistic legacy, attracting famous artists like Piet Mondrian in the early 20th century. Mondrian's evolving style from realism to abstraction can be
‘Revolusi’ Corrects the Dutch Colonial Self-Image of Indonesia
5 September 2024
In Revolusi: Indonesia and the Birth of the Modern World, David van Reybrouck documents the Dutch colonial involvement in the world’s largest archipelago from the early seventeenth century until independence in late 1949. Using his literary talent, the author combines historical research and journ
‘The Safekeep’ by Yael van der Wouden: When the Outside World Comes In
28 August 2024
Set against a backdrop of family tensions and unprocessed desires, Yael Van der Wouden's debut novel invites us to explore the profound impact of our family and history on our sense of self. While her book, longlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, should be praised for its emotional depth and rich char
Artist Family Maelwael-Van Lymborch Paved the Way for Jan Van Eyck
27 August 2024
Anyone who thinks that fine art in the Low Countries started with Jan van Eyck, should read the book Johan Maelwael and the Van Lymborch brothers. The authors of this book argue that the founders of Dutch painting can be found in Nijmegen. The Maelwael family brought about a revolutionary twist to m
The Resilience of a Bird: Two Poetry Collections by Mattijs Deraedt
11 July 2024
In his debut collection De schaduw van wat zo graag in de zon had blijven staan (‘The Shadow of What Would Have Loved to Remain in the Sun’) Mattijs Deraedt closed his eyes to engage in introspection. It made it to the shortlist of De Grote Poëzieprijs. In Kleine wereld (‘Small world’), Der
Fashion Photographer Willy Vanderperre Clicks to the Core
13 June 2024
There’s a good chance you’ve seen a photo by Belgian fashion photographer Willy Vanderperre at some point. He has shot campaigns for fashion houses like Dior and Prada, and his editorials have appeared in magazines such as Dust, i-D and Vogue. It’s no surprise that he has the honour of being t
‘De daden’ by Anne Schepers: On Engagement and Cynical Journalism
3 June 2024
In De daden (Deeds), Anne Schepers tells the story of an intern at a leading newspaper, who gradually finds herself caught between her activist inclinations, her cynical bosses, and the poor neighbourhood in which she grew up.
Volendam: The Dutch Fishing Village That Became an International Artists’ Haven
23 May 2024
At the turn of the 20th century, the quaint fishing village of Volendam transformed into a bustling artists' colony, attracting painters from around the world with its enchanting opal light. In The Discovery of Holland, published only in Dutch for now, Jan Brokken explores this vibrant era, revealin
Hymn to the Silence: The Contemplative Work of Jef Verheyen
21 May 2024
Forty years after his death, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is devoting a retrospective to the Flemish artist Jef Verheyen (1932-1984). This beautiful exhibition is relevant not only as a part of art history but also because Verheyen continues to inspire young artists today.