Tijs Dragtsma (1992) - The Godfather

The Godfather is a sculptural work within the Art with Nails series by Tijs Dragtsma.

In this piece, the image is not painted or printed. It is constructed through impact. Hundreds of precisely positioned brass nails penetrate a deep black acrylic surface, forming an iconic figure defined by composure and authority.

The portrait captures a presence that does not rely on movement or expression. Power is conveyed through stillness. The face remains calm, almost restrained, yet carries undeniable weight.

From a distance the image appears solid and unmistakable. Up close, the surface reveals a layered landscape of depth, shadow and material tension. Each nail represents a deliberate strike. A measured decision. A structural element within a carefully controlled composition.

Light plays a decisive role. As illumination shifts, shadows extend across the black acrylic, intensifying the sculptural dimension of the work. The brass reflects subtly, reinforcing the contrast between darkness and authority.

The Godfather is not merely a cinematic reference. It reflects hierarchy, loyalty and the quiet architecture of power. Authority here is not loud. It is inevitable.

About Art with Nails

Art with Nails is a self-developed artistic medium in which imagery emerges through the precise placement of steel or brass nails. Rather than applying pigment, Dragtsma constructs form through repetition, rhythm and controlled force.

The works are defined by sculptural depth, material contrast and the interaction between light and shadow. Each nail functions as an independent structural unit within a larger spatial composition, allowing the image to shift depending on perspective and illumination.

Every piece is unique and unrepeatable, shaped by material behaviour, surface tension and cumulative impact.

About the Artist – Tijs Dragtsma

Tijs Dragtsma is a Dutch contemporary artist and founder of TD Fine Art Studio. His practice operates at the intersection of material, structure and light, with a strong focus on developing distinct artistic languages rather than following established traditions.

He is widely recognised for his Art with Nails series, in which hundreds to thousands of steel or brass nails form sculptural portraits that transform with light and viewing angle. Through precision and repetition, he translates digital mapping into physical presence.

Since beginning his artistic practice in 2024, his works have entered private collections across Europe, Asia and the United States, and have been presented internationally. His work is driven by experimentation, technical control and a long-term vision centred on material integrity and spatial experience.

All works are conceived and produced in his studio in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands.