Aruban Artists

Ivan Jansen is a prolific, versatile jazz and classical guitarist. His new released CD, his fifth, is “Horizonte Nobo”, consisting of original compositions and jazz improvisations of Aruban music, featuring top Aruban artists and Grammy award winning international artists. He has also produced two other CD’s: “Jazz at the Divi Links” featuring covers, and “Versatility” a Caribbean jazz-fusion with original compositions. In the classical genre, Ivan has produced two solo classical guitar CD’s: “Con Alma” and “Con Alma II” featuring world renown compositions and his own.

As a classical guitarist, he has performed solo classical guitar concerts for Queen Beatrix and Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and has performed as solo guitarist in orchestras, such as the Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony of the Americas. As a jazz guitarist, he has performed with his jazz bands in many jazz festivals in the region. He currently performs with his Jazz Quartet at the Mulligans at the Divi Links on Saturdays and at the Divi Hotel on Sundays. As a soloist he performs at Windows at the Divi Links on Fridays and occasionally on Thursdays as well. Ivan also teaches guitar at the Scol di Musica Rufo Wever. Ivan was recently awarded the 2011 FOCUS award for his accomplishments in the field of music. Ivan is a pioneer in using contemporary harmonic jazz concepts with ArubanAntillean folklore music rhythms such as danza, tumba, waltz and mazurka. His first tumba-jazz composition was "Aruba" in 1988. In 1988 he also published a book "Aruban Folkloric Music for the Classical Guitar - six Aruban/Antillean folkloric music compositions arranged for the classical guitar with arrangements by Ivan jansen and Alphonso Boekhoudt. Ivan is a Cum Laude graduate of Music Performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

To listen to his music visit www.ivanjansen.com. You can also connect with him on Facebook.

A self-taught Aruban-born painter and graphic designer.

Working mostly in oils, Elvis paints the charming Aruban landscapes that fascinate so many art lovers for over 3 decades.

Tromp has been painting Aruban landscapes in particular since he was a child and enjoys making each scene a personal interpretation. He also finds time to paint portraits of friends and family. Because Elvis is a self-taught artist, he had the opportunity to discover his environment, his style and technique in his own way. Although this was very hard and slow in the beginning, it was very positive and helped him working his way through life to become a respected and exhibited artist.

Elvis is now at a turning point in his career as an artist and wants to discover new horizons. He feels he has matured and is now more than ready to go abstract.

With his new direction, where the human figure is central, Elvis is working his way, searching, learning and experimenting, to a new level in his art.

e-mail address: elvishtromp@gmail.com

website: www.ElvisTromp.com
 

Nadine Salas currently works freelance as a photographer and webdesigner in the Netherlands as well in Aruba.

For more information, visit their web site at www.aruba-apart.nl

Rosabelle Illes, born on the 17th of October 1987, has been writing poetry since she was 6 years old. At that time, most of her poems were dedicated to family members and for special occasions. At the age of 12, she discovered spirituality and began to understand where her deeper writings came from. As she continued to develop herself spiritually she managed to form her first book titled ''Beyond Insanity''. A collection of writings beaming different vibrations and flowing on different frequencies. Respected Aruban artist, Nigel Matthew illustrated all of her poems giving ''Beyond Insanity'' the final touch of depth.

Rosabelle is currently working on her second book along with another young artist, Robin de Vogel, who will be illustrating her poems. Her new book is promisingly deeper and dedicates more time on emotions. Next to her poems, in her new book she also philosophizes on what's left when you erase layers from what we call an emotion; more importantly what this leftover means.

In 2006, Rosabelle completed her high school of Colegio Arubano with a VWO diploma. She plans to pursue her studies in parapsychology and spirituality in the states.

For more information contact: r_illes@hotmail.com

Visit their web site at www.rosabelleilles.com

Jane Hochstuhl Getty grew up in the Dutch Antilles on the island of Aruba. The beauty of her island home and the colors of the Caribbean Sea captivated her imagination.

“I was a dreamer, constantly attempting to put my world on paper with crayons and paint. I was intrigued with the cliff formations, the waves pounding on the cliffs and then receding in a plume of white salty spray. My heaven was walking on the pristine beaches, with my dogs, collecting treasures the sea deposited at my feet. We rose early to see the sun rise from Colorado Point. I watched the fishermen go out to sea, mesmerized by their boats rising and disappearing in the waves. The Caribbean with its constantly changing color, and the wind in my face were exhilarating and inspiring.”

Jane went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Ohio University. She taught art at the elementary and junior high levels in New Jersey and Texas before taking time out to raise four children and send them on their way in the world. She continues her work and study with noted area watercolorists. Her paintings have earned numerous prizes locally and regionally, and her Aruba works are well regarded and recognized on the island. “Painting is an elixir for me. Each painting is an adventure and an enlightening experience. It is a quest. I am still a dreamer.” Currently, Jane resides in Wayne, New Jersey, with her husband and two dogs. Her work includes florals, Jersey Shore and Cape Cod landscapes and seascapes, and many works from Aruba. Originals and fine museum grade giclee prints, which are signed and numbered, are available online. 

For more information contact: Jg64aruba@msn.com

Visit her web site at www.GettyWatercolors.com

Is an artist living on the island of Aruba. Her work is well known among the locals and has a great popularity. Eefje works with different materials and styles yet somehow has a signature style of her own. Born on 12th of September 1946 in de town of Baarn in the Netherlands Eefje grew up in a family of 9 children. After finishing high school Mrs. Van Twillert completed her studies as a midwife. It was soon made clear that her capacities were more in the creative direction. Successfully the courses ‘creative art for youth leaders A & B’ were completed. These creative capacities were further developed by giving creative therapy at the psychiatric centre ‘Zon and Schild’ in Amersfoort, the Netherlands.

During this time period classes were taken in pottery, glazing, etc. and she was given the leadership position in a pottery centre in the above-mentioned centre. This was also the period where lessons with glassmaker Alex Luigjes in Amersfoort were followed for two years. In her marriage the artist raised five children, worked as a leader in various youth centres and camps and was the coordinator for the after-school program at “C.J. Washington” for a number of years. After 1994 she dedicated herself completely to her drawing and painting, as well as sculpting. Eefje her main inspiration comes from the nature of the Dutch Antilles. The greatness of Gods creation on so many levels. From the tiny sand grain to the big Caribbean Sea. This is what Eefje tries to capture.

For more information contact: eefje-art@live.nl

Visit her web site at www.eefje-art.com

Elvis Lopez is an Aruban Artist. He studied Audiovisual Arts at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam the Netherlands, from 1984 to 1989. He graduated Cum Laude from the Academy, in 1989. Thereafter he returned to Aruba and was appointed by the government as a coordinator of numerous projects, like for instance the Visual Arts Academy of Aruba, "Ateliers 89" a local experiment in the area of Art education in order to stimulate the Visual Arts in Aruba. Since 1985 he has exhibited works at several well respected galleries and museums in many countries.

For more information contact: elvistadios@hotmail.com

Visit their web site at www.musea.tv/elvis

Osaira Muyale is a contemporary artist living and working in Aruba.

Osaira founded a studio gallery called “Eterno” and a foundation called Fundacion Eterno from 1993 thtough 2002. She has exhibited in Europe, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Her work has been included in prestigious exhibitions such as the 6th International Bienniale of Havana, Cuba, Arte 99 of Curacao (grand award winner) and Acro Art Fair in 2001 Madrid.

In 2004, her work was be published in an Art History Book as part of a group of 20 contemporary woman artists living and working in the Caribbean. The book is being put together by the New York University Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Ms. Muyale's work is critically acclaimed and has received prizes not only from institutions in the region but continues to gather attention from the local, regional and international art critics and acclaimed art connoisseurs.

Osaira Muyale's Studio is part of her ongoing dedication and promise to interact with the community and her studio is a beacon of light to intellectuals and artists that live on the island. From there, she produces her work with international artists and local and regional educators reaching out to the community and continues to intrigue the public with her unique work.

For more information contact: osairamuyale@yahoo.com

Visit their web site at www.mocaom.net

The mythical Orange Kingdom for many years has been an important inspiration source for Nouel. His painting “QUEEN BEATRIX IN PARADISE” reflects the local sun, sea and sand cliché, uniting Aruba to the Dutch Kingdom in the process. A special publication of step by step painting art lessons from Nouel titled “INSPIRED BY ARUBA” (and almost a love song to the beauty of Aruba!) has recently been published by Multi Media International. For years the artist painter has been giving special painting workshops inspired by Aruba, sharing his source of inspiration with the world. Gustave Nouel believes that Aruba is ready to inspire the rest of the world artistically, with a little help from the authorities.

In Aruba, Gustave was recognized as ARTIST OF THE YEAR and he earned a permanent place in THE HALL OF FAME, during his lifetime! Professional and hard working Aruba artist Nouel has had hundreds of exhibitions internationally. His art is found all over the world in part of many collections: Governments, Foundations, Museums and Cultural Centres, and Galleries as well as distinguished private and even royal collections. In the Dutch Pavilion at WORLD EXPO SEVILLA 92 in Spain, Nouel presented his Jazz Art. At Art Expo New York in 2000, he presented his New Biblical Art.

For more information contact: gustavenouel@orange.nl

Visit their web site at www.nouel.net