Awarding Sikkens Prize to Carolyn Porco (2020) and Piet Oudolf (2022)

On October 2^nd, the prestigious Sikkens Prize 2022 was awarded to the world-famous Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf at the Voorlinden Museum. On this occasion, American planetologist Carolyn Porco received the Sikkens Prize 2020 as yet, the ceremony of which had been postponed due to corona measures. Oudolf and Porco make a wonderful duo: from the beautiful palette of heavenly bodies to the subdued colours of gardens. At the award ceremony we stand rooted in the earth, in a paradise garden, looking up at the overwhelming beauty of the universe at the same time.

Piet Oudolf, winner of the Sikkens Prize 2022

The board of the Sikkens Foundation has awarded the Sikkens Prize 2022 to Piet Oudolf (Haarlem, 1944) for his impressive contribution to the ‘colour perception of parks and gardens all over the world. In Oudolf’s gardens, it is obvious colours are given shape by light and really come to life through it. From Hummelo, he has developed a unique conception and style that is not only highly appreciated, but also eagerly imitated. Oudolf shows that discoloured plants, browns and other earthy tones are just as interesting as bright, bright colours. Like Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Oudolf’s gardens excel in an autumn-coloured palette. It is precisely from the subdued colours that the light emerges. All over the world – from the Gardens of Remembrance and High Line in New York to London’s Camden High Line Park and the Noma restaurant in Copenhagen – he has transformed inconspicuous tracts of land into places of relaxation, inspiration and get-togethers.

Carolyn Porco, winner of the Sikkens Prize 2020

The winner of the Sikkens Prize 2020 is the American planetary scientist Carolyn Porco (New York City, 1953). As scientist and team leader of the Cassini mission, she has made an exceptional contribution to a realistic and colourful image of the universe. The images make us aware of the fragility of our planet. In the board’s opinion, Carolyn Porco brings together scientific, aesthetic and social objectives in her groundbreaking work.

Sikkens Foundation celebrating its 50th anniversary

This year the Sikkens Foundation (since 1972) is celebrating its 50^th anniversary during a get-together at the Voorlinden Museum on October 2^nd. An anniversary film made by Gerrit Schreurs will also be shown. The preliminary version of this film is available here.