Sam Reekers

Sam Reekers was born on September 28, 2001, in Eindhoven, and is currently based in Utrecht. He graduated from HKU Fine Art in 2024. Reekers’ art emphasizes the significance of everyday moments, encouraging a closer look at what might initially seem ordinary. His work is a testament to his ability to find meaning and beauty in the mundane.
During the HKU Exposure 2024 graduation show, he was awarded the prestigious Dooyewaard Stipend for 2024-2025, which includes a one-year residency in Blaricum and a solo exhibition at Galerie Pouleouff in 2025. His ability to capture the essence of waiting through his paintings has earned him recognition and acclaim, marking him as a notable emerging artist in the contemporary art scene.

For Best of Graduates 2024, Sam presents a series of small, detailed oil paintings that spotlight the ordinary yet peculiar act of waiting in public spaces. His work delves into the overlooked moments of everyday life, capturing the humor, tragedy, and loneliness inherent in these experiences. His paintings invite viewers to pause and observe the subtle nuances of people caught in the liminal state between moving and being still. This exploration is especially present in his graduation series, Onderweg, where he depicts individuals as they wait—bored, sleepy, or content—without judgment.