The Sacha Tanja Medal

Sacha Tanja (1942-2004) was chief curator and icon of the ING Collection and committed herself to Dutch figurative painting throughout her work. Since 2005, the Sacha Tanja Medal has been awarded every year to an artist or someone who is committed to figurative art. The prize is associated with a cash prize of 10,000. Helmantel's work was acquired early on for the ING Collection. Today there are five of his works in the collection.

Jury

The prize was presented by jury members Emily Ansenk (Director of Holland Festival), Sanne ten Brink (Head of ING Collection), Joop van Caldenborgh (Caldic Collection), Robin Speijer (artist and last year’s winner) and jury chairman Wim Pijbes (Director of Droom en Daad Foundation). “Helmantel's work, loved by a large audience, is the epitome of realistic painting in the Netherlands. Today's winner is more abstract and contemporary than many people think. Right now, during the pandemic, his work is more topical than ever. With his paintings he invites the viewer to contemplation, to peace and quiet. And he emphasizes the beauty of the everyday things around us,” said Pijbes.