TEXT Xavier Robles de Medina wrote this text for the Surinamese participation in the third edition of the online exhibition Atlantic World Art Fair 2023 (AWAF 2023). This exhibition can be visited here on the Artsy website, from June 01-15, 2023.
With its third participation in the Atlantic World Art Fair, Readytex Art Gallery (RAG) returns with “Patterns of Power: meditations on spirituality, politics, and multiculturalism” – an expansive group of paintings and sculptures by fifteen of Suriname’s most prolific artists. The online exhibition explores the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Suriname through a range of themes and artistic practices. From the beauty of organic shapes and flora and fauna, to the cycle of life and visual celebrations of Surinamese culture, a pattern that weaves through this group of artworks is a thought-provoking blurring between figurative and abstract visual language as a vehicle for social commentary and spiritual introspection.
“Patterns of Power: meditations on spirituality, politics, and multiculturalism” delves deep into Suriname’s colonial history, while also drawing attention to the social, economic, and political issues facing our nation today. Through narrative, satire, and critique the exhibition highlights the complexities that challenge the sustainable growth and development of the country. The exhibition also explores how the Surinamese notion of Alakondre reflects our rich cultural heritage. By dissecting the theme of identity in our multicultural Caribbean society, the artists attempt to uncover what lies beneath the surface of these substantial societal challenges and consequently the ripple effects these challenges have on artistic and spiritual practice.
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Reinier Asmoredjo
Reinier Asmoredjo‘s painting De Lenige Vrouw (transl. “the flexible woman”), featuring a female nude form in front of a bright sun, is a striking piece on foam board that reflects the artist’s deep understanding of painting. The work’s main colors of yellow and blue evoke the bright, skies and clear, sparkling waters that are typical of Suriname’s landscape.
One of the most distinctive features of the painting is the emphasis on circularity, which can be seen in the curvature of the female form, the sun, and the breasts. This emphasis on circularity reflects the importance of nature and the cycles of life. The incorporation of traditional Wayana facial painting on the female form adds an element of cultural specificity to the painting, making it a powerful representation of Suriname’s diverse cultural heritage.
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Paul Chang
In Paul Chang‘s Nature in Abstraction 30 painting on canvas, lively colors and organic shapes come together in a dynamic composition. Bright circles of yellow, blue, pink, and green dance across a warm beige background, evoking the energy and beauty of the natural world. Chang’s love of nature shines through in his joyful use of color and form. The circular shapes suggest the cyclical rhythms of the earth, while the vivid hues convey the vitality and wonder of life.
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Kenneth Flijders
Kenneth Flijders‘ representational painting Galibi gron depicts a large tree by the water in bright, realistic colors, showcasing his affinity for Suriname’s tropical rainforest. The painting’s focus on everyday life in Suriname is evident in its ordinary subject matter, which is brought to life with vibrant hues and rich detail. Through his art, Flijders encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the simple joys of daily existence.
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Shaundell Horton
Shaundell Horton‘s Untitled mixed media work explores the complex theme of identity in multicultural Caribbean societies. The artwork features gray collaged hands coming together to form the shape of an East Asian woman cloaked in a hijab-like covering, with only her eyes visible. The striking contrast between the gray hands and the vibrant, complementary green and red background creates a tension that hints at deeper, more troubling issues. The red shape in the background, which suggests both a shadow and a pool of blood, adds to the sense of unease and ambiguity.
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Sri Irodikromo
Sri Irodikromo‘s Metamorphosis assemblage sculpture is a stunning testament to her love of natural materials and diverse cultural influences. The sculpture features a found piece of driftwood, combined with a peach-colored horn made from fired clay. Irodikromo’s passion for creating art with a natural or organic look is evident in the way she seamlessly blends the two elements together. Through her art, Irodikromo invites us to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world and the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Suriname’s vibrant society.
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Miguel E. Keerveld
Miguel Keerveld‘s Apotheose 2 is a bold and striking painting showcasing his unique artistic vision and spiritual approach to art. The work features two faces, mirrored and strongly reminiscent of African mask traditions. The contrasty colors and graphic nature of the painting draw the viewer’s eye and demand attention. Keerveld’s spiritual approach to art infuses his work with a depth of meaning and power that resonates with viewers. Through his paintings, he invites us to reflect on our own identities and the ways in which we relate to one another, challenging us to look beyond the surface and engage with the deeper truths of our shared humanity.
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Rinaldo Klas
Rinaldo Klas‘s dark and complexly layered Eye of Nature painting features a large yellow sun behind a blue leaf, framed by a red sky that blends into the face of a woman. The woman’s right eye is obscured by the shape of a lizard, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to the work. Klas’s love for nature is evident in the way he incorporates natural elements into his work. With his powerful and thought-provoking productions, Klas challenges us to reexamine our relationship with nature and to take action to safeguard the planet we call home.
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John Lie A Fo
John Lie A Fo‘s Le Guardien assemblage piece is a colorful and whimsical work that incorporates several pieces of found wood, hand-carved and painted in bright colors to depict the details of a figure’s face and dress. The nails and background painted in white enhance the cartoonish and humorous quality of the piece. Furthermore, Lie A Fo’s work captures the spirit of Suriname’s traditional communities, where the natural and spiritual worlds are intertwined and deeply connected. Through his art, he invites us to explore this unique balance and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Surinamese culture.
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Kurt Nahar
Kurt Nahar‘s Old Habits stark assemblage work, predominantly in red and gray, features two implied figures, side by side, both with split colored faces. Each figure has two circular forms stacked on their face, with readymade objects incorporated into the work. One of the circles looks like a bullseye or dartboard, further evoking the figures used for shooting practice. Through his art, Nahar challenges us to confront issues in Surinamese society and politics.
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Sunil Puljhun
Sunil Puljhun‘s Tears of a Nation 1 painting of the finance ministry tower speaks volumes about the state of politics, economy and corruption in Suriname. The graphic style of the work, reminiscent of satirical comics, draws the viewer in to explore the smudged and fading image of the tower, seemingly suspended in a cloud of smoke. The work is a stark commentary on the political and economic situation in Suriname, highlighting the corruption and mismanagement that have led to the country’s current economic crisis. Through his art, Puljhun sheds light on the realities of life in Suriname and invites the viewer to engage with the critical social and political issues facing the country.
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Dhiradj Ramsamoedj
Sprout of Hope by Surinamese artist Dhiradj Ramsamoedj is a blue sculptural tower that draws inspiration from the biblical Tower of Babel. In Suriname’s multi-cultural society, the tower of babel can be seen as a metaphor for the fragmentation of language and culture that occurred as a result of colonization and slavery. However, the title Sprout of Hope suggests that the artist sees the potential for unity and hope in this diverse cultural landscape. The tower represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen relationships across cultures. Through this symbolism, Ramsamoedj explores themes of cultural identity, unity, and hope for a better future.
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Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi
The wife of Macusi, mixed media painting by Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi employs powerful symbolism to explore the themes of identity, feminism, and multiculturalism in Suriname. The image of a girl’s head atop a leopard’s body suggests the merging of different identities, cultures, and traditions, while the long flowing blue hair adds a fantastical element to the piece. The use of cut textiles with different print patterns serves to convey the idea of a diverse and rich cultural landscape, and the path the figure is walking hints at a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Overall, the work celebrates the diversity and strength of Surinamese women, and speaks to the complexity of their multifaceted identities in a multicultural society.
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René Tosari
René Tosari‘s Untitled painting is a dynamic expression of celebration and excitement, with joyful figures depicted in a riot of colorful washes and outlines. The work is a testament to Tosari’s skill as a painter, with each layer of paint carefully applied to create a harmonious and dynamic whole.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the painting reflects Tosari’s social and environmental engagement, and his concern with Surinamese multiculturalism. The figures in the painting are depicted in a variety of skin tones and clothing styles, suggesting a celebration of diversity and cultural exchange. The white outlines around the figures give them a sense of unity and connectedness, while also suggesting the importance of community and collaboration.
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Wilgo Vijfhoven
Wilgo Vijfhoven‘s colorful and erotic Kulturu 2 painting is a celebration of women and their sensuality. The painting portrays a female figure with her back facing the viewer, but her tilted head reveals her long flowing dark hair. The use of bright red color dominates the painting, which can symbolize passion and energy, while the turquoise tones of the monstera leaves suggest calm and tranquility. The placement of the leaves at either side of the figure creates a balanced composition that draws attention to the central figure. Overall, this painting celebrates the beauty and power of women, emphasizing their sensuality and strength.
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Hanka Wolterstorff
Hanka Wolterstorff‘s colorful and flowing Natural Bloom ceramic sculpture is a beautiful tribute to nature. Her use of organic forms and fluid lines creates a sense of movement and life within the sculpture. The colors of teal, yellow, and orange reflect the vibrant hues found in nature, while the circular rotation and leaf-shaped plates evoke the movement of wind, the flow of water, and the circularity of life. Wolterstorff’s work is inspired by the natural world around her and she seeks to capture the beauty and vitality of nature in her art. The fluidity and movement of her sculpture reflect her deep connection to the rhythms of nature and her desire to honor and celebrate the natural world.
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PHOTOS Courtesy Readytex Art Gallery (RAG)