There are moments in the art world that remind you why discovering and supporting new artists remains one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Our introduction of Alf Bärbel Wit Peters at KunstRAI 2026 was one of those rare moments.
What made this debut even more remarkable is that Alf is only eleven years old. While his age inevitably attracts attention, it was never the reason we chose to present his work. We were convinced by the paintings themselves, their confidence, rhythm, originality and emotional depth. His age simply makes what has followed all the more extraordinary.
Working entirely intuitively, Alf begins each painting without a sketch or predetermined plan. His compositions evolve through gesture, movement and spontaneous mark-making, creating layered abstract worlds that feel both energetic and contemplative. There is an honesty and freedom in his work that cannot be manufactured; each painting develops organically, inviting the viewer to slow down and discover something new with every encounter.
Nothing, however, prepared us for the response.
Throughout KunstRAI, visitors were captivated by Alf's work. Collectors, curators and fellow artists returned repeatedly to the stand, drawn not only by the remarkable story behind the artist, but above all by the quality and authenticity of the paintings themselves. The enthusiasm quickly extended far beyond the fair. Alf was featured across several Dutch national radio stations and his story reached an even wider audience through a special feature on the Jeugdjournaal, introducing thousands of young viewers to contemporary abstract art.
What began as a Dutch debut soon attracted international attention. We received enquiries from collectors and art lovers from around the world, all intrigued by an artist whose work communicates through instinct, rhythm and imagination rather than convention.
Today, only a few months after his first public presentation, every single work from Alf's debut collection has found a place with a collector. For any emerging artist this would be an exceptional achievement. For an artist of just eleven years old, it is nothing short of remarkable. He is undoubtedly one of the youngest artists ever to have achieved such recognition and commercial success at the very beginning of his career.
It marks the beginning of what we believe will be a most exciting artistic journey.
Looking back, KunstRAI 2026 was far more than the launch of a new artist. It was the beginning of an extraordinary story. We are deeply grateful to everyone who embraced Alf's work with such warmth and enthusiasm and we look forward to following, and sharing, the next chapters of what promises to be a truly exceptional career.
David Smith - Gallery Director
