Within the framework of the commemoration of the abolition of 150 years of slavery, several exhibitions will take place in the first half of this year within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the auspices of Foundation Arte '99.
Several succesful exhibitions already took place in 2013 in a selection of galeries and museums within this same framework. Landhuis Bloemhof, the Maritiem Museum, Kas di Kultura, the NAAM and Pietermaai hosted several exhibits that lit the theme in their own way. This year the Curaçao Museum, Gallery Alma Blou, Mon Art Gallery and once again Landhuis Bloemhof will follow.
The kick-off for the series of exhibitions will be held at the Curaçao Museum where Friday the 14th of February the opening will take place of the exhibition Exploring the Past to Envisage the Future.
Curator is Curaçaon art historian Jennifer Smit. She chose to let the general public be introduced to the work of promising young artists as well as the artistic creations of more renowned and internationally acclaimed artists.
All ten participating artists are local and work and live in Curaçao.
Some of the art works were especially made for this exhibition. Others were inspired by the NAAM collection. Existing works of art were also chosen that depict the theme of slavery.
This exhibition wil include a variety of media such as: photography, sculptures, painting, drawings, assemblages, installations and multi media work.
The participating artists are Tirzo Martha, Felix de Rooy, Tony Monsanto, Avantia Damberg, Ailsa Anastatia, Ivanah Suares, Philip Rademaker, Yubi Kirindongo, Herman van Bergen en Omar Kuwas.
Curator Smit calls it a 'cutting edge' selection. The artists show work within their own discipline, that brings forth the theme in a suprising, exciting and unconventional way.
According to Smit, these works will encourage reflection and above all a constructive dialogue about the intense theme of slavery.
This exhibition is made possible by financial aid of: Mondriaan Fonds, Maduro & Curiel's Bank, MCIS, Coca-Cola, Spigt Dutch Caribbean, CUROM Broadcasting (Z86) and Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.