Open Call What the ‘QUACK’ is going on?

Open Call

What the 'QUACK'
is going on?

Register Before May 18

Dear artists,

Hope this message finds you quacking with excitement!

As some of you may or may not know, our property has been taken over by over 5000 adorable ducks! They've claimed the Christmas tree, made nests in our garden bushes, joined in on workshops, and even turned the children's play area into their personal spa.

With warmer weather approaching, these quackers are on the lookout for cooler spots and are gearing up to conquer our exhibition hall during the summer break.

Introducing our latest project: What the 'QUACK' is going on? 

It's not your average artist open call – it's a quack-tastic, fun, and quirky exhibition that kicks off on June 29 and promises to quackify our space until August 4, 2024.

Here's the deal: we're inviting all artists to join in on the duck-filled madness. Each participating artist will receive a minimum of 10 ducks to transform into an art piece or to use as a medium within a creation. The challenge? Let your creativity flow, infuse your unique touch, and present your masterpiece during this exhibition extravaganza!

This is not just an artist call; it's a chance to dive into a world where creativity meets quirkiness. Unleash your imagination, let the ducks inspire your art, and join us in making this exhibition a celebration of creativity, laughter and of course quacks!

To participate: 

·        Let us know if you are participating before May 18th

·        Let us know how many ducks you would like to work with (minimum 10)

·        Pick up your ducks at Landhuis Bloemhof during regular opening hours

·        Deliver your finished work before June 22nd

We are looking forward to your participation.

Caribbean Spice

Exhibition

Caribbean Spice
by Lesley Peterson

April 26 - May 18

 

Landhuis Bloemhof is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, 'Caribbean Spice,' featuring acrylic paintings by Lesley Peterson. 'Caribbean Spice' is not just an exhibition of paintings; it is an invitation to explore the unseen, to consider the possibilities beyond the known, and to engage in stories that linger on. The exhibition is set to open on Friday, April 26th, at 7 pm. Maghalie George is the opening speaker for this event. Caribbean Spice is on display till May 18th.

Inspiration and artistic vision

Lesley Peterson draws inspiration from the vibrant life stories of the people of Curaçao, weaving a narrative that cuts across the superficial and plunges into the depths of human experience. His paintings, rich in Caribbean flavor, are not only visual representations but rather windows into the multidimensional universe of time and space.

Peterson's artistic outlook is guided by a profound curiosity about the inner lives of individuals, driven by the belief that identity is shaped through experience. The artist's exploration of these hidden stories is reflected in his reminiscent landscapes, portraits, and impressions of old buildings and alleys, each carrying the weight of its own history and life story.

Peterson's connection to the Caribbean region spans generations. He acknowledges the Caribbean as the place where he finds his inspiration and his unique touch that spreads through his body of work. His paintings go beyond the material world, offering viewers a glimpse into the different dimensions that coexist within our everyday life.

About the artist

Lesley Peterson, born on the island of St. Maarten in 1943, has been painting since his teenage years. Beginning with oils on canvas at the age of 15 and sold his first paintings while still a student at the age of 18. Despite his 42-year-long career in education, where he retired at the age of 62, Peterson never stopped cultivating his passion for art. As a self-taught artist, he continuously expanded his skills and knowledge by reading about painting techniques and art history, by participating in workshops, and by visiting numerous museums and galleries in Europe and the USA.

Peterson was a founding member of the art foundation ‘Libertas’ in the seventies. His artistic journey evolved from surrealism to what he calls ‘symbolic realism’. Post-retirement, he dedicates his time to both painting and teaching painting skills to adults and teenagers. With several successful exhibitions on the island, Peterson's artistic talent has been recognized and celebrated.

In his book ‘Timeless Illusions’ (2023), Lesley Peterson opens up about his artistic journey, providing insights into his body of work and the evolution of his painting style. His philosophy on art is summed up by the phrase: "In the essence of all things, there is the magic of timeless illusions. Just change your perspective to see this magic."

Meet the artist and paint along

On Saturdays May 4 and 11, Lesley Peterson will be at Landhuis Bloemhof between 10:00 and 12:00 where he will greet guests and have a chat. On May 18th, the last day of the exhibition, he will guide a painting workshop from 9:00 to 12:00. To register please contact info@bloemhof.cw or via whatsapp +5999-7375775

Den Mi Wesu

Event

DEN MI WESU
(IN MY BONES)
BY MICHAEL WANGA

Thursday May 2nd | 19:00
Friday May 3rd | 19:00
Saturday May 4th | 18:00 

Den Mi Wesu – meaning “in my bones” in Papiamentu – is a theatrical deep dive into the origins of spiritual experience and how rhythmic expressions amplify it. It involves an excavation of instruments, voice, and movement through which we explore our Afro-Caribbean roots. 

Under artistic direction of Michael Wanga and musically enhanced by Sorandy Sint Jacobs and Ashley Mauricia, a group of talented performers shares their rhythmical and historical journey. Following their route to Landhuis Bloemhof, we learn about their Caribbean ancestry through the power of rhythm and movement. 

Like many Curaçaoan people, Michael is a descendant of two strong tribes. On one side, the native people that have survived on the Caribbean islands and on the other side, the enslaved people that were brought there from Africa. 

As part of the new generation of diaspora descendants, Michael seeks a connection with his ancestors. A bond that derives from music and stories that shaped the island. He involves a new generation of Caribbean artists, to share in this experience. 

Rhythm and spirituality go hand in hand. They connect us to our most primal and instinctive selves. Rhythm is not taught, it is passed down through the musical traditions of our ancestors. Sound and movement are carriers of Afro-Caribbean culture, throughout generations. They contain the essence of a spiritual experience that is shared all over the world in meditation, worship or prayer.

A to Z II

Exhibition

A to Z II
An ABC of Curaçao Art

 

 

April 6 to 18

 

Landhuis Bloemhof is excited to announce its exhibition, "A to Z II – An ABC of Curaçao Art", set to take place in the first week of April. This exhibition presents a diverse collection of artworks from private collections, capturing artistic expressions between 1948 and 2024 of renowned, contemporary, and emerging artists.

Running for two weeks, from April 6 to 20, the exhibition is a celebration of creativity, with each letter representing the last name of a featured artist. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience a curated selection providing an exclusive glimpse into the world of private art collections, none of which will be available for sale.

Among the 26 artists featured in the exhibition are Ocalia and Nepomuceno, whose body of work has left an indelible mark in the world of self-taught artists. The show will also shine a spotlight on the late Arlette da Costa Gomez, Ariadne Faries, May Henriquez, Tony Monsanto and Marjon Wegman among others.

Adding an exciting dimension to the exhibition are emerging artists such as Adara Godschalk, Kati Qui and Timothy Voges with their fresh perspectives and unique artistic voices, making this exhibition a must-attend for art enthusiasts and collectors.

A – Z shows art by Giovanni Abath, Hortence Brouwn, José Maria Capricorne, Arlette Da Costa Gomez, Lucila Engels, Ariadne Faries, Adara Godschalk, May Henriquez, Iversona, Elis Juliana, Yubi Kirindongo, Ruben Lake, Tony Monsanto, Maximiliano Nepomuceno, Hipólito Ocalia, Suzanne Perlman, Kati Qui, Michèle Russel - Capriles, Ellen Spijkstra, Roberto Tjon – A – Meeuw, UFO, Timothy Voges, Marjon Wegman, X Restore, J. Yssel - Muiden and Philippe Zanolino

Workshop Storytelling Zichtbaar worden met je Roots

Workshop

Workshop Storytelling
Zichtbaar worden
met je Roots

One day workshop on
April 23, 24 or 25
9.00 am- 5.00 pm

A journey through nostalgia and longing

Waar is je thuis? Waar liggen je wortels? Naar welke gerechten en geuren van thuis kan je nog steeds verlangen? Welke muziek roept bij jou speciale herinneringen op? Welke verhalen van vroeger zijn je bijgebleven?

In deze workshop gaan we terug naar die verhalen. Met speelse en narratieve werkvormen bieden we je de mogelijkheid om te kijken naar je achtergrond, je familie en je landen van herkomst en hoe dit jou heeft gevormd. Door je verhalen, rituelen en emoties te vertellen word je zichtbaar. Verhalen zijn troostend en verrijkend en soms zelfs helend. Verhalen als anker om zo meer plek in te nemen met: wie je bent, wat je kan en wat je wil.

Voor wie: voor iedereen die op avontuur wil naar de bron. Voor iedereen die een brug wil slaan tussen je binnenwereld en de buitenwereld. Voor iedereen die met meer impact wil kunnen vertellen. Voor iedereen die zich wil laten inspireren door de verhalen van anderen, veel plezier wil maken en zichzelf wil verrassen.

Data: 23, 24 of 25 april - Aanvang: 9 uur Eindtijd: 17 uur - Locatie: Landhuis Bloemhof Santa Rosaweg 6- (in de tuin, trek gemakkelijke schoenen aan) - Kosten: Naf 150,- (Inclusief: Lunch, koffie & thee en iets zoets) - Taal: Nederlands. Deelnemers kunnen hun verhaal vertellen in hun moedertaal.

Over Izaira Kersten

Izaira Kersten is actrice en trainer en begeleidt al vele jaren mensen in organisaties om een authentiek en congruent verhaal te vertellen. Ze heeft een groot vertrouwen dat iedereen vol verhalen zit, grote, kleine, meeslepende en humoristische verhalen. Izaira is geboren in Alkmaar en op haar twaalfde verhuist ze met het gezin naar Curaçao.

Een belangrijk keerpunt in haar leven. Haar droom om actrice te worden maakte dat ze op negentien jarige leeftijd in haar eentje de overzeese terugtocht maakte naar Nederland. Ze voelt zich thuis in het ene land en thuis in het andere land. Op de ene plek mist ze de andere plek. Haar roots heeft ze onbewust onderdrukt en merkt nu dat ze soms met een aangepast verhaal naar buiten komt. Nu volgt ze haar verlangen en neemt ze nu ook meer plek in met haar Antilliaanse en Surinaamse roots. Ze voegt haar theater achtergrond, werkervaring en haar ‘Krioyo saus” samen voor deze workshop.