U.S. Premiere of Aruban Artists' "Microcosm" Exhibition
Press Preview and Breakfast on September 16th
" Toys of the Conquistador" by Ciro Abath |
(Washington, D.C.) - For the first time, ten contemporary Aruban artists will collectively exhibit their work in the United States at the Residence of the Dutch Ambassador in Washington, D.C. The "Microcosm"" exhibition is part of a series of events recognizing Aruba's 25 years of Status Aparte within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The multi-disciplinary exhibition, consisting of site-specific installations, sculpture, mixed-media assemblage, video, paintings, collage, photography and drawings, brings together the artwork of noted Caribbean artists: Ciro Abath, Telka Van Dodewaard, Rob ter Haar, Glenda Heyliger, Elisa Lejuez Peters, Elvis Lopez, Alida Martinez, Osaira Muyale, Ryan Oduber and Hugo Palmar. These artists represent the diverse and eclectic reality of the Aruban "Microcosm" within the Kingdom.
Several of the Aruban artists have exhibited internationally and won awards. Alida Martinez won the 2010 residency prize at the Triennial International of the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic with her installation "Mega-Bite Candy." Ryan Oduber received the Caribbean spotlight award for his cinematography of the short film "Muhe Frida" on the life of Frida Kahlo during the 2011 Aruba International Film Festival.
"Microcosm" runs September 17th through October 15th and juxtaposes contemporary Aruban art with the classic 17th century Dutch masters on display in the Residence producing conversations on how the microcosm of Aruba defines itself within the macrocosm of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Aruban art work engages with the existing Dutch masters and objects at the Residence in dynamic ways creating thought provoking contrasts. Ciro Abath's sculpture, "Toys of the Conquistador" stands next to a neo-classical sculpture in the garden of the Residence, providing a dialogue between contemporary and classical art. Found objects are displayed in an 18th century Dutch mahogany dressing cupboard. A photographic self-portrait of Telka Van Dodewaard is placed next to a vanitas-influenced drawing of a woman, reflecting on the impermanence of life and beauty.
Curated by Laura Roulet, Gijs Stork and Renwick Heronimo, a team of American, Dutch and Aruban contemporary art experts, "Microcosm" is the first phase of an international multicultural and policy focused initiative to create a platform where contemporary art serves as a medium to create awareness and dialogue among these participating regions.
As part of this initiative, the Aruban artists will visit relevant art institutions in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New York to forge new ties with like minded individuals.
Additionally, a policy seminar co-organized with the Organization of American States will explore how Aruba is transforming itself from an economy based on tourism to a more diversified economy and a reliable investment partner.
"The 'Microcosm' exhibition illustrates that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a macrocosm that stretches over two continents offering a rich diversity of people and cultures. 'Microcosm' highlights the multi-cultural foundation of the Kingdom and reveals a creative tradition that extends from the Old Masters to today's contemporary Aruban artists," said Dutch Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos. "The exhibition celebrates the unique relationship between Aruba and the Netherlands and reveals how an autonomous entity thrives within the Kingdom," added the Ambassador.
Journalists are invited to a press preview of "Microcosm" on September 16th at 8am at the Residence of the Ambassador. Aruban artists and curators will lead journalists through the exhibition. Dutch Ambassador Renée Jones-Bos and Aruban Minister of Economic Affairs, Social Affairs and Culture Michelle Hooyboer-Winklaar will also be present. Members of the media must RSVP to attend the press preview breakfast by emailing cy.bundy@minbuza.nl by September 12th.
"Microcosm" will be open to the public by appointment only from September 17th to October 15th from 9:30am to 11:30am. Reservations must be made by emailing was-gma@minbuza.nl with the date and time requested.
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For more than 400 years, the Netherlands and the United States have been joined by the values of freedom, justice and an entrepreneurial spirit. A vibrant economic force, the Netherlands is also the third largest investor in America and a reliable trade and investment partner to the U.S. The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dutch Consulates General and Honorary Consuls in the U.S. promote strong bilateral relations between the United States and the Netherlands in the areas of peace and stability; international law; energy and climate; water management; international human rights; and creative industries. The Netherlands and the United States:Two countries, one spirit united by values, history and a vision of the future.
