Title: The Art of Reborns: Meet the Dutch Artist Bringing Vinyl Babies to Life
In the bedroom of her parents’ home in the Ypenburg neighborhood, Fenna has transformed a wall into an unlikely studio.’extrawider’^”>An eclectic gallery of baby heads sits on a plank above her desk, each one a canvas for her unique artistry. "I create ‘reborns’," she explains, "a type of art doll made from vinyl parts designed by artists."
Fenna, who now considers herself an artist, paints each head, limb, and torso to mimic the translucent skin, veins, and marbling of a newborn. She meticulously inserts hair and lashes one by one using a specialized root tool. The result? Six lifelike, yet eerily realistic baby dolls, each a unique masterpiece.
While Fenna’s 20-year-old brother, Stan, has grown accustomed to his sister’s unusual hobby, visitors often find it unsettling. Even their mother, Jenneke, initially questioned Fenna’s creations. "But now," Jenneke muses, "I see them more as paintings. I think they’re impressive and beautiful."
A Growing Art Form
The art of reborns emerged in the United States in the 1990s and is now gaining popularity in Europe. Fenna, self-taught and in-demand, works on commissions from across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. From a once recreational pursuit, this has evolved into a flourishing side business.
However, reborns don’t come cheap. Fenna sells her art dolls for upwards of EUR 500, with top artists charging up to EUR 700. She also works with clients seeking more affordable options, offering kale reborns for approximately EUR 300. But be wary of online reborns, Fenna warns. "Most are cheap replicas. Mine come with a certificate of authenticity."
So, what drives this young artist to create such unconventional yet captivating pieces? "There’s so much demand," Fenna says. "People connect with these reborns on an emotional level. They appreciate the craftsmanship and the lifelike quality."
As you read this, Fenna is likely working on her next reborn, meticulously crafting another mallable life, one hair at a time. Little wonder her work is in such high demand. Indeed, there’s an art to reborns, and Fenna is the Dutch master at the helm.
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