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Mike van Rijswijk Jr of Cobra Art on rise of AI:

'Our business is all about authenticity: real photo shoots, real models, real stories'

In a rapidly changing world where economic uncertainties, technological innovations and international trade tensions alternate at a rapid pace, Cobra Art Company manages not only to stay afloat, but to thrive. The internationally operating art wholesaler and distributor, with galleries in Amsterdam and Rotterdam as well as a 1100 m² B2B showroom, responds flexibly to trends, customer needs and new markets. In conversation with Mike van Rijswijk jr., co-owner of Cobra Art Company, it quickly becomes clear that innovation and a feeling for what looks good in an interior go hand in hand at this company. 'The first months of 2025 have been excellent for us,' he says enthusiastically.

© Cobra Art Company
Lots of colour in Cobra Art Company's collection. Inset: Mike van Rijswijk jr.

'We started the year powerfully with our participation in Maison & Objet in Paris,' Mike looks back. 'There we not only got the chance to test new interior trends, but also to experience directly how our customers reacted to them.' He says there was particular enthusiasm for the latest 3D effects on mixed-media prints. 'We discovered during this exhibition phase which works of art are perfectly suited to this technique, and which are less suitable. Those insights proved hugely valuable for further product development.'

© Cobra Art Company

Continuing demand
Despite the new import duties recently imposed by the US government, demand from the United States continues to grow. 'Many of our major US customers placed large orders quickly before the import duties took effect to avoid additional costs. But even after that, demand continued to grow, especially from interior designers and returning customers,' Mike said. 'Our products are unique enough to justify the extra costs. Meanwhile, our logistics team continuously optimises to serve our customers as efficiently as possible.'

© Cobra Art Company

Exclusivity
What is currently selling best within the range? 'Our photography on plexiglass and dibond remains the absolute favourite,' says Mike. 'But we clearly notice a shift towards calmer, more neutral work, something we also saw during Maison & Objet. Whereas this type of art was previously mainly popular in Scandinavia, its popularity is now growing in other markets as well.' At the same time, there is a growing demand for exclusive pieces. 'That is why we are firmly betting on our Masterpiece collection.'

© Cobra Art Company

Digital leap
The new webshop is not yet live, but preparations are in full swing. 'Previously, buying online was not possible with us, but we saw this as an important step towards the modern customer,' Mike explains. 'The biggest challenge? Communicating the experience of our art digitally. That is why we are starting online with our photography collection, which lends itself best to digital presentation.' However, the physical presence remains at least as important: 'Our galleries and showroom are essential within our omnichannel strategy.'

© Cobra Art Company

New collaborations
Cobra Art also continues to innovate in its collaborations with artists. 'Our new collaborations with Dutch and Belgian artists have really brought a breath of fresh air to our Masterpiece collection. One Belgian artist in particular has been hugely well received by our customers,' said Mike, without mentioning her name. 'In addition, we recently started a collaboration with an American pop art artist, an exciting contrast to the quiet art that is currently popular.'

Authentic art
The rise of AI in the art world obviously does not escape Cobra Art. 'But for us it's all about authenticity: real photo shoots, real models, real stories. AI simply cannot replace that. We want to continue to deliver the real art experience.' At the same time, Cobra Art fits in seamlessly with the current interior design trend: 'People long for a calm, harmonious environment. Our collections know how to translate that perfectly into art for any interior.'

The 3D-effect mixed media prints are proving to be a hit. 'We are busy refining this technique, especially by experimenting with different 3D structures. We carefully select which artworks it works with and which it doesn't; quality is always paramount for us.'

© Cobra Art Company

New markets
Cobra Art's customer groups are in full swing. 'We see clear growth among interior designers from the US and Asia, where the use of designers is much more common. These projects are often large-scale and sometimes require customisation, from giant photo works to wall decorations for an American band's tour bus,' Mike says with a smile. 'Thanks to our own production and logistics, we can move quickly. Europe remains our base, but the Middle East and Asia are important growth markets.'

So the company is increasingly heading towards further international expansion, without losing its authentic character. 'Because with us it's all about distinctiveness, in both art, service and experience,' Mike wants to say in conclusion.

© Cobra Art Company

More information:
Cobra Art Company
Arkeneel 2
3905 NS Veenendaal
Tel.+ 31 318 - 514 063
sales@cobraart.nl
www.cobraart.nl