About the artist
Arjan van Gent is a Dutch portrait artist based in The Hague. In his studio he creates classical portraits in oil paint and mixed media, often commissioned from photographs or live models. His work includes portraits of musicians, cultural icons and private commissions.
NEWS
Rinus Gerritsen (Golden Earring) and Arjan van Gent at the opening in the Clayton American Hotel, with a signed art print of the portrait. More info
Portrait commissions
A portrait is more than a likeness — it carries a life within it.
Alongside his autonomous work, Arjan creates commissioned portraits for private clients and collectors, with the same dedication to character, light and layered technique.
Each portrait is developed through a careful process, resulting in a timeless and personal work of art.
Commission a portrait →
My Wall of fame
Arjan’s Wall of Fame consists of portraits of international musicians and cultural icons who have shaped modern culture.
Many of them have personally received or posed with his work in their own studios and environments.
Among them are Bowie’s alumni Carlos Alomar, Robin Clark, Sting, Carmine Rojas, Mike Garson and Earl Slick.
These encounters form the foundation of his ongoing book project On the Wings of My Time, where image and story come together.
View the Wall of Fame →
exhibitions
Arjan’s work is regularly exhibited in galleries and museum contexts.
A notable moment was the exhibition at the Vermeer Centrum Delft, where filmmaker Peter Greenaway opened the show — an important source of inspiration.
His work has also been presented at Pulchri Studio, Galerie Pictura, Morren Galleries, Galerie Wildevuur and the Dutch Portrait Award, among others.
View exhibitions →
media & projects
Arjan’s work and activities have been featured in various media.
In the context of the television series The New Vermeer, his work appeared in an article in The New York Times, alongside Rijksmuseum curator Pieter Roelofs.
He has also been featured in national television programs and publications dedicated to figurative art.
View media and publications →
Project - Holding Bowie
Holding Bowie
An Ode Through Stories and Images
January 6th, 2026.
One year without my father. Nearly ten years without David Bowie.
Two compasses, one story.
Holding Bowie is a personal project about legacy, inspiration and moving forward — dedicated to my father.
Read more about this project →
Special collaborative project
Here is the link to the webshop created in collaboration with Bowie’s guitarist and musical director Carlos Alomar. Carlos was part of the legendary rhythm section known as The D.A.M. Trilogy, which recently toured Europe.
Most of the proceeds from this highly exclusive merchandise will go toward the education fund of Hikaru Davis, the youngest son of drummer Dennis Davis, who also passed away in 2016 - the same year we lost Bowie.
About the artist
Arjan van Gent (1970) studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and the Amsterdam University of the Arts.
His work is part of both private and museum collections, including those of Sting, Brenda Russell, the Cruijff family and various Bowie alumni.
In addition to his work as an artist, he is the founder of Atelier Sint Lucas.
Read full biography →
