Tjalf Sparnaay is Artist of the Year 2025

From eight finalists, Tjalf Sparnaay has been chosen as Artist of the Year 2025. The artist – also a Master of Realism – will receive the trophy that comes with this title on Saturday, November 16, at 11:30 am during the National Art Days in Gorinchem.

Lotta Blokker finishes in second place, followed by Levi van Veluw and Iris van Herpen. Claudy Jongstra, Bas Kosters, Simon Schrikker, and Lara de Moor finish in fifth to eighth place respectively. These eight artists also top the Gallery of Contemporary Artists, the list that annually includes the hundred most valued Dutch visual artists.

Some opinions from panelists and the public associated with the election about Tjalf Sparnaay:

Realistic painting requires great craftsmanship, especially if you want to match reality so precisely as all of Tjalf Sparnaay’s works show.

Tjalf is an incredible artist who can paint so realistically that you would want to touch and eat it. And also a particularly friendly man :-).

Tjalf Sparnaay has given painting an extra dimension, putting the viewer on the wrong track.

Tjalf’s detailed blow-ups of everyday food give me a feeling of: ‘I never really looked at the beauty of simplicity. And now I see it. Brilliant!’

Tjalf Sparnaay goes a step further than the realistic representation of photography, which puts his paintings on a higher level. His hyperrealistic painting technique remains exciting to watch. Where the technically realistic work of many painters is painted to death, Sparnaay’s work comes to life. If you zoom in further, his reflections (which have no existence without dark parts) become almost abstract.

Possible participation Lille Art Up!

The Masters of Realism have the unique opportunity to participate in the well-known and renowned gallery fair Lille Art Up! in Lille (Northern France).

If there are enough registrations and a positive selection, the Masters can obtain a stand at this fair under the name Dutch Masters of Realism. The fair will be held from March 13 to 16, 2025, in Lille (Northern France).

Practical info

Lille Art Up! is the contemporary art fair organized by Lille Grand Palais since 2008. It is the largest contemporary art fair in France outside of Paris, an international event ideally located in the heart of Lille to welcome collectors and players in the French and European art markets.

Some figures:

  • 17th edition
  • 4 fair days + ½ day vernissage
  • 30,000 visitors
  • more than 100 gallery holders
  • 10,000 m² exhibition space

Exhibitors of Lille Art Up! benefit from:

  • A high-quality space to exhibit your artworks.
  • A vernissage that has become a must-attend event for buyers, collectors, art lovers and gallery owners, with more than 5,000 visitors.
  • A large number of visitors from Northern France, Paris and Belgium; art lovers, buyers and collectors.
  • An environment that highlights the artistic and cultural richness of the region and young contemporary artists.

Participation
Do you want to participate as a Master of Realism? This is possible with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 meters of wall space. 1 running meter of wall costs approximately €480 (excl. VAT). The exact costs will be determined after selection.

Please let us know if you are interested and with how many meters you would like to exhibit before November 15.

Register quickly via info@mastersofrealism.com.