Each of the portraits has a hidden world of fantasy animals and figures in detail.
Hanneke Hielkema, visual artist from Veldhoven, makes large, similar portraits that are built up with spots of materials diluted in water. Hundreds of animals and figures have been applied with ink. Each portrait has, as it were, a second dimension. After eight years of a higher degree in drawing with a specialization in portraiture, she graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Arendonk, with her own developed style. She finds it important that there is more to see in her work than you would initially expect, hence this floor. However, the hidden fantasy world that only appears up close must not disturb the recognizability and appearance of the portrait. Because the work cannot be improved, she has to proceed very thoughtfully. Step by step the world grows together with the portrait until the perfect balance is reached and the world can appear without destroying the portrait. Her aim is to invite the viewer to take a good look and to let them wander in their own fantasy with a smile on their face.
She also works on commission.
The portrait that Hanneke made of our Queen Máxima has been purchased by the Máxima Medical Center in Veldhoven. The work will be given a prominent place. It now temporarily resides on the first floor from the elevator to the left at the end of the long hallway. In the mouth you will find a beautiful forest with a pond with of course many animals, only visible up close!