"Muchacho" Painting

Khairzul is the current winner of the prestigious The Netherlands Portrait Prize 2023. His distinctive style and approach to the subject of portraiture were also recognized by a panel of judges throughout the prize's lengthy and careful evaluation process. The following is an excerpt from the jury report for the portrait that won the Netherlands Portrait Prize:

"For the overall winner in the two-dimensional category of the Dutch Portrait Prize Award. The judges agreed unanimously that despite its small size, this portrait is painted in a grand manner. Here are a few accolades acknowledged and noted by the jury members: strong color scheme, controlled expressiveness, swiftly painted, dynamic use of the brush; both up close and from a distance, everything in this painting is perfect. A powerful, well-constructed depiction with a unique viewpoint. The winner in the Two-dimensional category is awarded to "Subconsciously Awake" by Khairzul Ghani."

Khairzul Ghani predominantly works in oils and specializes in portraiture, figurative, and landscape subjects. He expresses and interprets himself through his use of bright colors, lines, and textures, which are influenced by fauvism, expressionism, and post-impressionism. His paintings constantly emphasize a plethora of vibrant colors and expressive motions, but every inch of canvas is given adequate care and functionality.

His Southeast Asian ethnicity and engineering expertise had a huge influence on his self-expression, which was evident in the colors and intricacy of his works. His style has evolved since 2012, when he began working as a full-time artist, but it always reflects the same ambition to express himself in his own unique way. He admires and aims to be artists who are unafraid to challenge limits or traditions.

Khairzul Ghani was born in 1974 in Johor, Malaysia and since 2012 works and lives in Harderwijk, The Netherlands.