WHOSE LAND IS IT ANYWAY
This text is available in English and Papiamentu, see English page for the translation.
Whose Land is it Anyway? opens February 23th from 18 pm till 21 pm in our showroom!
“One Happy Island” we were called but whose land is it anyway?
when the waves came we had nowhere to go
the fishermen who could escape took as many of us as they could carry on their boats
with not enough time to grab our belongings
we swayed on the sea
looking back at our island
the only thing left visible
the top of the airport control tower
boldly gleaming in the sun
warnings rained down, years before
on Savaneta
Salinja
Cultimara
Illidge road
Kerkweg and The Road
but profit surpassed our safety, our leaders
stuffed their pockets and few of us
who spoke up, were met with ire
potholed roads while we drove to work
our seas stinking of sewage
our streets littered with garbage
our caves that once held our ancestor’s marks,
now turned into monuments for Western ignorance
Chris was here
Haidee was here
J.H. was here
(for only a 100 bucks our guide will take you to its deepest crevice, don’t forget to tip on your way out)
our white sandy beaches turned into private property
plastic between our toes
condos swallowing the coast
all-inclusive hotels
boardwalks full of tourists
“downtown is the new South Beach”
at night we drove around
marvelling at lives of
those who got to enjoy the paradise
Chris
Haidee
J.H.
“One Happy Island” we were called
but
Whose land is it anyway?
WHOSE LAND IS IT ANYWAY?
Deals with themes of self-sufficiency, sustainability, de-colonialism and tourism and the intersectionalities between them. Together with young artists from Aruba and Curacao, and the public, the exhibition investigates different means for becoming less dependent on tourism,and searches for other sources of self-sufficiency that can contribute to the future of the ABC-SSS islands.
Date exposition 23-02-2024/21-04-2024
by: Caithlin Courtney Chong
with:
Quiana Cronie
Nigel Maduro
Goldiie
Natisha Engel (graphic designer)
events: Book Club
Caithlin (1997, Curaçao) is an artist, curator and cultural organiser. She moved to the Netherlands in 2016 to pursue a bachelor’s diploma in Fashion Design, but ultimately changed course to Fine Arts. She graduated in 2022 and since then has been searching for a connection between her two homes. This exhibition is a thread that she aims to weave into her broader work through collaboration with Caribbean artists– by envisioning a community-based future outside of this hyper-capitalistic/individualistic life, to connect with her fellow Carribbeans, and to look for answers together to the questions of our history that can teach us about our future.
Goldiie, the creative force behind “by Goldiie,” a brand that brings handmade accessories and objects to life. Originally from the vibrant islands of Bonaire and Curacao, Goldiie now resides in The Netherlands, where her artistic journey unfolds. Goldiie isn’t just a designer; she’s a multi-talented artist with a knack for blending different forms of creativity. Her inspiration comes from everyday life—her family, the people she meets, stories, and the conversations that fill her world.
Quiana Cronie, an Aruban Designer, is dedicated to preserving her island’s cultural richness through fashion and visual storytelling. Driven by a passion for reviving forgotten narratives, particularly those of fishermen and farmers, Quiana transforms these tales into upcycled durable wearables and visuals, seamlessly bridging the gap between generations. She ensures that Aruba’s heritage thrives for future generations, making her work a tribute to the island’s vibrant traditions and narratives. Employing a multi-disciplinary approach, Quiana invites viewers to immerse themselves in the essence of Aruba’s history, acting as a crucial link between the past and the present.
From the small Caribbean Island of Aruba, Nigel “Punky” Maduro is an Indigenous Caquetío multi-disciplinary artist, intersectional activist, and a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability. Notoriously known for being arrested for graffitiing “Land Back” and “No More Hotels” in protest of the uncontrollable and unsustainable hotel and tourism industry, he sparked a socio-environmental movement amongst many locals in Aruba. His work shows the world how this industry is increasingly damaging the island’s environment and erasing the Indigenous Caquetío heritage . It also sheds light on how much the Caribbean area will continue to lose if the political and administrative body will proceed with this current (outdated) growth-model system.
Natisha Engel, a Caribbean graphic designer, brings a profound passion for contemporary art to her designs, specialising in crafting empowering and impactful designs for brands. She is a multifaceted designer who fuses her academic background in media and creative industries seamlessly with timeless design principles into modern designs. Currently based in The Netherlands, Natisha finds inspiration in projects that allow her to create bold and proud visuals. Fueled by passion, ambition, and a keen eye for detail, Natisha possesses the ability to transform abstract concepts into visual embodiments that authentically represent a brand. Her dedication to her craft is evident as she skillfully channels her creative energy into bringing ideas to life, leaving a lasting impression through her innovative and dynamic design work.