The Brabanter was born in 2023 as a passion project by Italian expat Alessio Meroni. He drew inspiration from The Milaneser, a similar concept from his hometown of Milan. Both are fictional magazines, but the covers are real.

Local artists can submit their work to The Brabanter. Every two weeks, a winning design is selected. The goal: “telling stories about Brabant through the eyes of local artists,” according to the website.

The Brabanter Cover Competition

In collaboration with Studium Generale, The Brabanter Cover Competition was organized specifically for TU/e students and staff. In total, twenty covers were submitted. The design by Computer Science & Engineering student Michèle Stassen was crowned the winner.

The work, titled Beyond the Lecture Halls, is inspired by their life as a student in Eindhoven. Stassen says they initially felt nervous and worried about not fitting in. It soon turned out that this insecurity was unfounded. “The panels show small glimpses of everyday life beyond the lecture halls,” the description of the work states. “Some of these moments bring the community together, while others offer comfort and rest. Together, they made me realize that I belong here too.”

In addition to Stassen’s work, dozens of earlier Brabanter covers can be admired, each offering a different perspective on Brabant. Below is a selection from the collection.

Brabants Mèske, by Maus Bullhorst

A variation on the Dutch “Zeeuws Meisje,” but in Brabant style, of course. Designed with the familiar red-and-white checkered Brabants bont pattern.

The Fairytale Forest, by Gwyn van der Linden

Inspired by het Sprookjesbos (translates as Fairytale Forest) in the Efteling theme park. The famous park once started with just this small patch of land. The artist is originally from Kaatsheuvel and therefore knows the Efteling like no other. In addition, several generations of her family have worked there.

Bredase Begijnen, by Cheyenne Goudswaard

The Begijnhof in Breda owes its name to the Beguines, a religious group of women who lived there in the 13th century. The cover merges one of these women with the characteristic buildings of the area.

Kruikenstad, by Sjoerd Verbeek

Kruikenstad, the name used for Tilburg during Carnival. Hence the collection of stoneware jars (kruiken) on the cover. In the center is the recognizable orange bottle of Schrobbelèr, a well-known Tilburg herbal liqueur that originally emerged during Carnival season.

Ons Mam, by Raoul | Studio Turbo

“Ons Mam” (our mom) is something you’ll only hear in Brabant. In the northern part of the Netherlands they will understand it, but for internationals learning Dutch it is undoubtedly confusing. Despite the potentially ambiguous associations the image may evoke, the creator assures that the work is primarily a celebration of all mothers.

Here we GLOW!, by Kid KURA

Eindhoven, city of light. This work celebrates the role the city has played in the development of electric lighting, as well as the GLOW light festival, where light in all its forms takes center stage.

Feeling inspired?

For those feeling inspired, a special DIY wall has been added to the exhibition. Paper, pens, and markers are all provided to create your own Brabanter cover. The drawings can then be pinned to the wall. This space also features several submissions from the SG competition.