Ahmad Mallah – Visual Artist, is a Palestinian artist, born in Syria and based in Amsterdam. His work explores themes such as war, diaspora, identity, gender, and the body. Using diverse artistic forms, he reflects on personal and political experiences. His work has been shown at Art Rotterdam, Art Antwerp, the Van Gogh Museum, and Oerol Festival. In 2022, he received the Mondriaan Fund Stipend for Emerging Artists.
Nick 3XL – Tattoo Artist Nick3XL, is a Dutch tattoo artist whose style, “Patterns from the Universe,” blends Berber and tribal influences with voodoo symbols, crop circles, and spiritual imagery. In 2021, he founded Zeitgeist Kollektiv in Haarlem—a queer-friendly, ritualistic studio focused on calm and connection. Now based in Amsterdam, he works with clients from around the world, creating custom tattoos as meaningful, personal experiences.
Ary Ghanizadeh - Writer & Creative Thinker. author of the English-language poetry collection A Simple Epicurean Philosophy. A writer and poet with a fascination for the interplay between current events and reality. In his work, he explores not only how events occur, but more importantly how we experience and interpret them. With his pen, he seeks a language that questions and deepens our understanding of reality.
Tessel Dekker – Illustrator, Designer & Animator, works from Haarlem under the name Segolia Design. She creates illustrations, graphic design, and hand-drawn animations for cultural institutions, cafés, and musicians. Her style is known for its mix of playful details, bold typography, and gritty textures. In her personal work, she brings to life Segolia World — a whimsical universe filled with nature, animals, and strange creatures.
Peter te Bos – Singer & Graphic Designer, is the frontman of Claw Boys Claw and an influential graphic designer. His work is known for its intuitive, handmade style full of expression and surprise. For many years, he designed the visual identity of the Lowlands Festival (1994–2016) and now runs his own studio, Gazzman. He is also affiliated with De Designpolitie, a collective focused on socially and culturally driven design.
Stefan Kasper – Visual Artist, creates monumental works from paper and cardboard, built through a collage-like process. His visual language is layered, symbolic, and rich in art historical references, often with a touch of humor. The creative process remains visible and is an essential part of the work. Kasper is active in the Haarlem-based artist collective Horizonverticaal, where he has his studio and collaborates with fellow artists.
TRIK – Political Cartoonist & Visual Artist, is a political cartoonist and visual artist based in Haarlem. With sharp, humorous pictograms and visual emblems, he cuts straight to the core of current events. Influenced by street art, pop art, and hip-hop, he samples media images like a visual DJ. TRIK has won multiple awards, including the Inktspotprijs, and works for outlets such as Amnesty, FD, and AD. He also teaches illustration at ArtEZ and forms the artist duo DUONAR with Stefan Kasper.
Gaddie – Artist and Founder of Parradox, based in Almere, is the founder of Parradox and creates unique, hand-tufted carpets. What began as curiosity grew into a deep passion, inspired by his parents and their love for embroidery. He draws creativity from music, conversations, and his surroundings. With Parradox, he wants to show that anything is possible — it all starts with a single step. Each carpet tells a story and invites reflection and inspiration.
Joshua Baumgarten – Spoken Word Artist & Cultural Initiator, is an American spoken word artist and poet who has lived in Haarlem for over twenty years. As founder of The Irrational Library, he brings together music, poetry, and art in an alternative cultural space. His work is raw, direct, and socially critical. Beyond his artistic practice, he works with Stem in de Stad, supporting people in vulnerable situations. Calling himself a “Haarlem New Yorker,” Joshua remains deeply committed to the city’s cultural and social life.
sven Signe den Hartogh – Multidisciplinary Artist, is a Dutch artist working in photography, painting, poetry, performance, and film. His work centers on emotion, self-expression, and the connection between people and their surroundings. He lives on a farm in the Netherlands and designed the transparent flag Usawa in 2019, symbolizing balance and equality. His raw, personal style has been featured in publications, collaborations, and exhibitions. Through his art, he invites others to connect with the unknown.
Frank van Roessel
