My art at De Nachtzuster in Tilburg

A collaboration that feels like coming home

There are moments in an artist's life when everything just falls into place. The feeling that your work lands in the right place, among people who want to see, feel, and experience it. That happened when three of my paintings—Vonitsa Sun, Ionian Morning, and Olive—found their place in De Nachtzuster in Tilburg. It's a place with a soul of its own, warm, unpolished, and full of life. A place where my art doesn't just hang on the wall but can truly breathe.

In this blog post, I'd like to tell you exactly what De Nachtzuster is, how you can visit the location, and how our collaboration began. And especially, why I warmly invite you to come inside and experience the works in person.

The special atmosphere of De Nachtzuster

Anyone who steps inside De Nachtzuster immediately realizes that it's more than just a cultural initiative. It's a vibrant sanctuary where creativity visibly and tangibly flows through the corridors. The venue is located in the Carré building, the former Elisabeth Hospital in Tilburg. This enormous building has been completely transformed in recent years into a vibrant hub for makers. It houses over a hundred studios, and together they form a community that embraces curiosity, experimentation, and growth.

The atmosphere is simultaneously raw and warm. You can literally smell the wood from carpentry projects and the paint freshly applied to a canvas. You hear sounds from studios, music fragments, conversations between creators, the shifting of chairs, and the rhythm of a community in constant motion. The Night Nurse invites you to linger, look around, ask questions, and be surprised by what emerges.

The initiative is driven by the people of Stichting Ateliers Tilburg . Their goal is clear and tangible in everything they do. They create space for artists in the broadest sense of the word. Space to try, to fail, to persevere, to grow. No thresholds, no tight curtains, no whispering on white gallery walls. But openness, diversity, and authenticity. That's what makes De Nachtzuster a place with character. A place where art comes alive.

What can you do and experience there?

The Nachtzuster is open to visitors in a way that feels accessible and approachable. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the central space transforms into a studio café. During these days, you can drop in with your laptop, sketchbook, a stack of books, or simply your own curiosity. People work, talk, think, draw, and write quietly side by side. The café has a small menu and a relaxed atmosphere. As a visitor, you get a very genuine glimpse into the daily lives of the creators who are part of it.

In addition, events are regularly organized. Think of evenings filled with spoken word, live music, film, small exhibitions, fundraisers, and workshops. The programming changes constantly, but always with an emphasis on authenticity and connection. During such moments, visitors, artists, and neighbors come together, creating a unique blend of art and connection. De Nachtzuster is not just a place where art is displayed, but above all, a place where art is shared.

How to visit The Night Nurse

Anyone looking for an inspiring afternoon can easily drop in. The location is Carré 50 in Tilburg, in the area of ​​the former hospital. Via Jan van Beverwijkstraat, you walk past the barriers of the site and arrive at the gate that gives access to the building. It almost feels like discovering a hidden place. As soon as you enter the interior, you immediately see the creative traces of the community working together here.

The studio café's opening hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During events, the hours are often extended. If you're visiting specifically to see my work or if you'd like to experience the atmosphere of a studio café, I recommend visiting during the open house. For larger events, check De Nachtzuster's own schedule. This way, you'll know exactly when there's something going on.

How the collaboration came about

The collaboration between me and De Nachtzuster began with a combination of curiosity and recognition. I knew De Nachtzuster as a place where creators come together, where experimentation takes center stage, and where art is given space to find meaning in encounters. That made it a logical place for me to connect.

That's how the conversation started I got started with De Nachtzuster. We discussed how my work could connect with the atmosphere and rhythm of the location. The De Nachtzuster team provided input, shared ideas, and asked questions that helped me, as an artist, further explore how my work would function in a public space. A pleasant, open conversation ensued about color, energy, themes, and space. Ultimately, we chose three works together that perfectly complemented the surroundings.

Vonitsa Sun, Ionian Morning, and Olive each have their own distinct character, but share a sense of tranquility and depth that beautifully balances the building's dynamics. The team at De Nachtzuster handled the presentation with great care. The hanging, the lighting, the placement within the space. Everything was done with respect for the work and the visitor experience. It felt to me like a collaboration that not only made practical sense but also came together perfectly, both substantively and emotionally.

The three works currently on display

Vonitsa Sun exudes a warm, almost shimmering glow. The light seems to penetrate every layer of the canvas. It's a work that invites you to pause and be transported to the Mediterranean atmosphere that inspired it.

Ionian Morning is softer, lighter, more dreamy. The morning air that takes center stage in this work has something calming yet melancholic. It's a painting that captures the stillness of a new day.

Olive captures the power and simplicity of the Mediterranean landscape. The colors are natural and tranquil, the brushstrokes organic and honest. The work carries a symbolism of growth, peace, and connection.

Together, these three works tell a story of light, movement, nature, and emotion. At De Nachtzuster, they truly come into their own, because the setting offers the space to truly observe.

Why you should really come and see it

While I've covered a lot in this blog post, nothing beats the experience of seeing the work in person. The space, the light, the atmosphere of De Nachtzuster itself, the movement around you, and the feeling of becoming part of a creative community make the visit truly special.

It's a place where you find new ideas without even looking for them. A place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Where you see art without the pressure of a traditional gallery. And where, besides my paintings, you can discover the work of other artists, perhaps even ones you haven't heard of but who will surprise you.

That's why I warmly invite you to come visit. Alone, with friends, with your partner, or with someone who shares your love for art and inspiration. Let yourself be carried away by the energy of The Night Nurse and take the time to look at the paintings up close.

Finally

It's an honor for me to exhibit my work at De Nachtzuster. The space feels personal, warm, and inviting. It's not a traditional gallery, but a creative home base where art and community converge. Having my paintings displayed there feels like a confirmation of what art can do: connect, inspire, and amaze.

If you're in Tilburg soon, definitely put De Nachtzuster on your list. I'm sure you'll find something there that will stay with you. Perhaps a thought, perhaps a feeling, perhaps a conversation. Or perhaps just a moment where you pause for a moment in front of a painting.

Would you like to visit together or would you like me to accompany you? Feel free to send me a message or a DM on Instagram . I always enjoy taking visitors along and experiencing the art and atmosphere of De Nachtzuster together.

I hope to see you there.