courtesy of: The Morning News
written by: Rosalie Klein
32 island artists have joined together with the Westin Gallery in its namesake resort to be part of the year-long celebration of 25 years of Aruba’s autonomy within the Dutch Kingdom; with such a large roster of accomplished artists, the works are extremely diverse in style and intent.
A variety of mediums have been creatively deployed, from paintings to sculpture using recycled juice boxes, blown glass, photography mixed with poetry, and hand painted silk; from Avant-Garde to Impressionistic, several schools of artistic thought are represented, for a very stimulating and thought-provoking show.
Gallery curator Jan van der Straten welcomed Aruba’s Minister of Social and Economic Affairs and Culture, Michelle Hooyboer-Winklaar to officially open the exhibit, which will be on display 24/7 in their gallery, just next to the concierge desk in the lobby of the Westin Aruba Resort in Palm Beach.
Because the theme of this new show is reflection on Aruba’s status, the works presented are a fascinating mix of how various artists view their island, including some quite arch commentary by artists Edmond Tujeehut and Frank Croes and the sculpture “Respeta” by Eefje van der Straten, which all really deserve some in-depth contemplation.
Participating artists are: Annemiek van Vliet, Alida Martinez, Anita Seuren, Danilo Geerman, Desiree Sporkslede, Elisa Lejuez, Eefje van der Straten. Also Edmond Tujeehut, Elvis Lopez, Elvis Tromp, Frank Croes, Grace Ashruf, Glenda Heyliger, Harold Bronswinkel, Irene Peterson, Joseph Miklojcik, Lara Kuiperi, Marian Abath, Margriet Blanken, Mo Mohamed, Miriam de L’Isle, Nigel Matthew, Osaira Muyale, Omaira Silva, Ryan Oduber, Rosalie Klein, Rhona Lemminga, Stan Kuiperi, Sherry Douglas, Timothy Charles and Reginald de Palm.
The works will be on display until January 18, 2012, and all are for sale. A gallery representative will be on hand to answer questions and handle transactions every Wednesday and Friday afternoon.
