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Painting, Viewing art, Interview

Interview with Egbert Modderman: “In the Martini Church, I discovered that working on a large scale was ideal for me”

Egbert Modderman (Heerenveen, 1989) received a substantial discount from the Martinikerk for his wedding ceremony. In gratitude, he painted a contemporary portrait of Martin of Tours, after whom the church is named. This led to the commission to paint the seven works of mercy. Egbert created an impressive seven-panel work, which is on display in the ambulatory. This means that for the first time since the iconoclasm—when the church became Protestant—visual art is permanently on display in the Martinikerk.

By: Marc Knip
31 July 2025

I worked as an interior designer, but felt my work lacked relevance. My mother pointed me to the Classical Academy in Groningen. There, I quickly discovered that painting suited me and the direction I wanted to take. At the Academy of Art in Florence, I specialized in oil painting. I came into contact with the Martini Church, which was creating a quiet space. I told them I wanted to create a canvas for it, adding that it would be a large painting. And that's how I discovered that working on a large scale was ideal for me. Suddenly, I clicked with painting, and I had the space.

"I am familiar with all models."

The painting was well received, and so I was commissioned to create a seven-part work about the works of mercy. I once saw a documentary about Butoh dance, and it inspired me—its timeless feel, just bodies and canvases. I really wanted to create paintings that wouldn't be seen as representing a specific period in the future.I am familiar with all models.. I took hundreds of photos of them in the church—where I also painted all the canvases—and then got to work. The unveiling last year was a wonderful moment, and along with my selection as Talent of the Year 2025, it really kick-started my career. I'm currently receiving many private commissions and preparing an exhibition in Harderwijk."

🏛️ This exhibition at Stadsmuseum Harderwijk is currently running and will be on view until September 21, 2025. On August 1 and 14, the museum is organizing a meet & greet with Egbert Modderman, and guided tours of the exhibition will be available on various other dates. For more information, visit 👉 Activiteiten - Stadsmuseum Harderwijk

⛪ The works in the Martinikerk can be viewed on days when the church is open to tourists. More information can be found via 👉 Toeristische openstelling - Martinikerk

 This article previously appeared in KUNST. magazine #3 (p. 34)

✍️ Marc Knip
📸 Jedidja Smalbil

Also interesting.