STAND NUMBER: W&C F

Comic Art Masters

Let me introduce myself: I am Edwin Jansen from ComicArtMasters When I first visited art fairs, I was immediately impressed by the enormous range and diversity of artworks on display. What struck me, however, was the fact that the ninth art, le Neuvième Art – as comic art is so affectionately known in France – was often completely overlooked. This is strange, because comic art is increasingly recognised worldwide as a fully-fledged art form. In the United States, original drawings from Marvel comics sometimes fetch prices of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. And the works of legendary comic artists such as Hergé, the creator of Tintin, also sell for millions. The cover of The Mysterious Star, for example, sold for no less than 2.5 million euros. Comic culture has also left its mark in the Netherlands, with icons such as Marten Toonder and Hans Kresse, whose work is internationally acclaimed. ComicArtMasters at PAN This is precisely why I am so proud that ComicArtMasters is participating in PAN Amsterdam this year, the most important art fair in the Netherlands. The PAN offers a platform for the most prestigious galleries and art dealers, and this year we have the opportunity to present comic art in all its glory to a wide audience of art lovers, collectors and professionals. It is a unique opportunity for us to bring the value of original comic art to the attention of a larger audience and to position comic art as a fully-fledged art form within the established art world. Our participation in PAN is more than just an exhibition of work; it is a statement. It is an opportunity to celebrate Dutch comic art and its most iconic artists and to show the world that this art form deserves its place among the great masters of painting and sculpture. The value of comic book heritage The value of comic book art is growing worldwide, and the art world has increasingly embraced this unique form of storytelling. In France and Belgium, for example, comic book heritage has been collected and respected for decades. Interest is also growing in the Netherlands. Top artists such as Theo van den Boogaard, Joost Swarte and Peter van Dongen are internationally acclaimed, and their original work is increasingly sought after. We can no longer ignore the immense value of originals by Suske en Wiske or Tintin, some of which have exceeded auction expectations by far. By participating in PAN Amsterdam, we hope to make a wider audience aware of the undeniable value of original comic art and the rich tradition that the Netherlands has in this field. There is so much more to discover than just today's popular mass media. A disappearing craft What makes this generation of comic artists so special is the artisanal nature of their work. At a time when more and more work is being done digitally and artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role, the analogue work of these artists is a rare and valuable commodity. Their works are unique, exuding the nostalgia and craftsmanship of an era when comic art was still made entirely by hand. We may be witnessing the last generation of analogue comic artists, which is why it is important to cherish and appreciate their work. ComicArtMasters: the platform for comic art At ComicArtMasters, we believe that comic art is more than just entertainment. It is an art form that tells stories, evokes emotions and has managed to connect generations. We want to bring this art form to art fairs and galleries so that it receives the appreciation it deserves. PAN Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to show that comic art not only has a place in the art world, but that it is also an important link in cultural history.