Albert Willem, We were all very thirsty, 2023

Albert Willem, born 1979, is a contemporary figurative artist from Brussels known for his naïve-style paintings full of wit and humor. He often paints in acrylics on canvas and depicts everyday life in a light-hearted yet ironic manner, often avoiding more complex themes. His works often show humorous moments in everyday life, such as people fighting at a wedding or an infinite conga line. He draws on humor to cope with his past and present fears, including fear of dance floors. His painting style is heavily influenced by the likes of LS Lowry, James Ensor, and Breugel the Elder, incorporating a sense of normalcy and primitivism while bringing a 21st-century twist. Willem has exhibited his works in Germany, Russia, and Belgium.

Albert Willem's rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable. Even he himself was surprised by his success, remarking to Artnet News, "This being the 21st century, a lot of crazy things happen in the world. I guess this is just another." His debut painting Pilgrim Street 8 (2021), which had an estimate of $8,000 to $12,000, sold for an astounding $69,000. Of the 14 works that sold at auction this year, half have sold for more than $150,000, despite having estimates in the range of $10,000 to $15,000.