Exhibition "Girls with Pearls"

For Girls with Pearls, Dutch photographer Caroline Sikkenk found inspiration in the timeless masterpieces of 17th-century painter Johannes Vermeer, the renowned "Master of Light." Captivated by the essence of his portraits—narratives woven into moments of luminous beauty—Caroline Sikkenk reimagined his artistry through the lens of contemporary society. The result is a stunning series of portraits that breathe new life into Vermeer’s iconic works, offering fresh interpretations of their enduring stories.

Capturing the same sense of timelessness, portraying her models in tangible and intimate moments. Vermeer’s Girl is reborn, her visage transformed through a multitude of surprising interpretations.

"A mesmerizing photographic series." National Gallery of Art, Washington

"A timely message of diversity and inclusion." - MvVO Art Show, New York City

"The Girl with a Pearl Earring into today's vibrant streetscape. The original image remains present in the background and makes everyone become one." -  Mauritshuis, The Haque, The Netherlands.

The exhibition has had its premiere between June 2019 and December 31 2019 at the Vermeer Center, Delft.  Currently some of the works are now part of the permanent collection.

In December 2020 and January 2021, the Mauritshuis Museum The Hague has shown a beautifully made video on a large screen in front of the museum with the photos of Girls (and Guys) with pearls. The connecting message: 'Our Girl. Your Girl. The Girl belongs to everyone.'

Girls with Pearls was featured on monumental digital large screens in May 2022 as a special feature of the MvVO Art Show at the iconic New York City landmark the Oculus at the Westfield World Trade Center, Manhattan.

February 6 - April 1, 2023 the exhibition 'Pearls of Light' will be shown at the Oude Kerk, Delft.

A beautiful photo book of the Girls with Pearls is now also available. Are you interreted and would you like to order a photo book? Send an email via the contact page of this website or send an email to info@photoline.nl

The photo book is also available at the museum shop of the Old and New Church Delft, Museum Prinsenhof, Vermeer Center Delft, VVV Delft, Mauritshuis. Or via the Percell sales, www.percellshop.nl and bol.com

Exhibition "Vermeer Recycle" – From Flag to Fashion

In 2023, Delft Marketing launched the Discover Vermeer's Delft campaign, adorning the city with modern photographic interpretations of Vermeer’s masterpieces from Caroline Sikkenk’s Girls with Pearls series, displayed as flags and banners.

Following the campaign's success, six talented fashion designers were invited to transform the vibrant flag material into stunning couture. Drawing inspiration from Vermeer’s timeless artistry and the repurposed fabric, Barbara Termorshuizen, Lii Spijkers, Lily Edney, Marco-Stefano Pintus, Marieke Rolloos, and Stephanie Willems crafted exquisite fashion pieces. These designs were then photographed in the iconic Vermeer style against the backdrop of Delft’s historic charm, bringing the Vermeer Recycle exhibition to life.

This extraordinary showcase weaves together heritage, innovation, and sustainability, celebrating the art of creative reuse and recycling.

Vermeer’s timeless storytelling is reimagined for today!

“A luminous celebration of light, color, and circular creativity.”
— Herman Weijers, Director of Vermeer Centrum Delft

First exhibited at the Vermeer Centrum in 2024, the Vermeer Recycle collection is now on display at Huis van Delft.