Museums and art galleries are intimate affairs in Aruba, providing guests vivid, snapshot-like views of the island's many influences and insight into its unique identity. Unexpected finds in museums, revealing ancient cultures, a rich, colonial past and even a story retold through monetary tender, casts new light on an island swept up in a cosmopolitan mix of contrasts. The new direction of island trends and cultural crossroads are on display at local art galleries, with contemporary art providing both aesthetics and commentary to the island experience.
The artistic Aruban conveys a complex background of experiences, articulated through country landscapes as well as in avant garde artwork, rich in bold shades and most often imbued with a strong message; literature, in the native Papiamento, is flecked by nostalgia, but speaks of a modern spirit; music weaves a multi-cultural background into a rapid rhythm of melodic content; and dance that ranges from the quaint retelling of a folkloric past to the experimental, unfettered movements of contemporary dance. The many faceted arts provide a picturesque venue in which to enjoy a deeper understanding of the island and its people.
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Vanessa Paulina
Between 1990 and 1994 she studied fashion and illustration at the Willem de Kooning Art Academy in Rotterdam. Before that she studied at the Mode Academie Eindhoven, from 1989 through 1990. From 1986 up to 1989 she went to the Windroos in Rotterdam, where she graduated as best pupil.
To support her artistic endeavours, she also took classes in Caribbean History at Leiden University and a small business course at Atlas, Rotterdam.
Vanessa works freelance as a stylist and designer besides her painting. Her career includes styling for several Dutch magazines such as BLVD and Dutch, fashion shows and videoclips for Hips and Delidel Touch. Also well known television drama series Westenwind and comedy show Raymann is laat.
She also conducted workshops on painting and fashion, both in Aruba and the Netherlands. She's an autodidact painter.
For more information contact: wipstuff@vanessapaulina.com
Visit their web site at www.VanessaPaulina.com
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Nadine Salas
Nadine Salas was born in Oranjestad, Aruba on February 26, 1968. In 1993 she graduated from the Willem de Kooning Academy of Art in Rotterdam, majoring in photography and interaction design. She currently works freelance as a photographer and webdesigner in the Netherlands as well in Aruba.
For more information contact: Nadine@salas.nl
Visit their web site at www.aruba-apart.nl
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Osaira Muyale
Osaira Muyale is a contemporary artist living and working in Aruba. Founded a studiogallery 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. |
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In 2004, her work will be published in an Art History Book as part of group of 20 contemporary woman artist living and working in the Caribbean. The book is being put together by the New York University Center for Latin America and Caribbean Studies. Ms muyale's work is critically acclaimed and received prizes not only from institutions in the region but continues to gather a attention from the local, regional and International art critics and acclaimed art connoisseurs.
Osaira Muyale 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 artist that live on the island. From there, she continues her work with international artist and local and regional educators reaching out to her community and continuing to intrigue the public with her unique work.
For more information contact: osairamuyale@yahoo.com
Visit their web site at www.mocaom.net
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Elvis Lopez
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 at the above mentioned 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 musea in many countries.
For more information contact: elvistadios@hotmail.com
Visit their web site at www.musea.tv/elvis
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Andre Kock
With the age of 16, Andre started to paint about his home island Aruba. He took lessons from local paintors on Aruba and learned more about the destinct flora and fauna of his island.
Studying geography teacher in Holland broadend his intrests in landscapes, and therefor started to paint more about the Aruban Landscape. Now 10 years later Andre is studying at Rotterdam Art&Styling academy to make of his all time favorite hobby a more serious job. He is a paintor of bright and lively colors inspired from the Caribbean, like the marvelous work, PalmBeach Aruba.
For more information contact: send2andre@gmail.com
Visit their web site at artscad.com/@/AndreKock
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Gustave Nouel
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 main inspiration source with the world. Gustave Nouel believes that Aruba is ready for inspiring 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 a HALL OF FAME, during his lifetime! Professional and hard working Aruba artist Nouel has had hundreds of exhibitions internationally. His art is spread all over the world as part of many collections: Governments, Foundations, Museums and Cultural Centres, 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 and at ART EXPO NEW YORK 2000, his New Biblical Art.
For more information contact: gustavenouel@orange.nl
Visit their web site at www.nouel.net
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Rosabelle Illes
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 highschool 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
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Elisa Lejuez Peters
Elisa Lejuez Peters born 15th of April 1973.
From an early age on she did not have clothing without stains of paint on them.
In 1991 she started studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Elisa graduated in 1996 and a year later she did a specialization in arts and textile at the Post Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem. In 1997 Elisa got her Masters Degree in Arts. Elisa's style is characterized by a striking use of colors, mixtures of acrylic paint and the technique of silk screen prints.
You can see more of her colorful works at; Amazonia Restaurant, Lounge at Tierra Del Sol, Radisson Spa and Towers, Aruba bank at Camacuri en Central bank of Aruba.
She also is very active in international expos.
For more information contact: elisa_lejuez@yahoo.com
Visit their web site at www.elisalejuez.com
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Stan Kuiperi
Stan Kuiperi (Aruba 1954) is a visual artist and an Art Education teacher residing on Aruba, Dutch Caribbean.
From 1972, he studied art and art education in Puerto Rico, the USA and later in the Netherlands with a Sticusa scholarship. He graduated from both the S.O.L., Utrecht, in 1980, and the Academie voor Beeldende Vorming, Tilburg, 1982. He then lived and exhibited in France with his wife, international dancer/choreographer Wilma Jansen, before returning to Aruba in 1985.
After his return he pioneered the development of contemporary abstraction in local and Caribbean art, while at the same time innovating the visual arts in national education and in community development as a full-time Art Education teacher and through his Aruba International Arts Foundation.
His abstract paintings, exhibited for more than 25 years by invitation in diverse local shows and international museums, galleries, corporate and private collections and international biennials, have greatly contributed to the development of the younger generation of local artists and the local public awareness and appreciation of the visual arts.
His work is characterized mostly by the abstracted, Aruban landscape as a central theme. Stan Kuiperi has successfully explored the landscape as metaphor for the human existence on Earth. The precarious relation between humankind and its natural environment, the passing of time and the ambiguity of space make up the essential elements in his work.
His abstraction allows for a highly personal, transcendental and spiritual interpretation of our collective histories and our individual destinies, and is a continuing exploration of Paul Gauguin's interrogative: D'ou Venons Nous? Que Sommes Nous? Ou Allons Nous?
For more information contact: stankuiperi@gmail.com
Visit their web site at www.stankuiperi.com
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Alydia Wever
Artistic Director/ Choreographer Alydia Wever is a native Aruban who is on faculty together with her mother Diana, sister Pierangely and Astrid at Skol Di Baile Diana Antonette in Aruba. She started at a very young age and performed in different festivals Internationally, projects, showcases, opening for exhibitions, music videos and dance concerts.
Alydia studied Dance and Musical Theater at The Boston Conservatory. In 2001 she presented her first Dance production 'Expresion 2001' in Cas Di Cultura, then she moved to New York City to do an Independent Study for three and a half years at the Alvin Ailey Dance School. |
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She performed in New York City with The Notario Dance Company under the direction of Brook Notary. Alydia also performed with Nathan Trice / Rituals in New York and in Aruba with the troupe in 2004 and 2006.
In 2004 she presented her second Dance production 'Energia Interno' at Access Art Gallery and Cas Di Cultura. After that same month 'Energia Interno' was invited at the Luna Blou Theater in Curacao. Since then she has been choreographing, performing, producing and traveling to Curacao and Bonaire. Her work has been performed by students from Curacao for The Queen Beatrix from Holland. In 2006 Fusion #297 with other choreographies have been performed for the Queen Beatrix of Holland in Aruba.
Alydia was invited to perform Lugarnan Bashi and Fusion#297 with Aruba Dance Theater in the International Dance Festival in New York City at The Dicapo Opera Theater.
Alydia is working on her next production which wil be presented next year in March of 2008. It will be an integration of all the different disciplines in the Arts together with 17 Male Artists.
For more information contact: alydia11@hotmail.com
Visit their web site at www.wevercollective.com
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Ryan Daniel Oduber
Ryan Daniel Oduber, a young Aruban contemporary artist and designer, has contributed to the Aruban arts & culture in many ways. This Master of Fine Arts graduate artist of the prestigious Sandberg Institute in Amsterdam, Holland, has represented Aruba in many foreign countries including, The Netherlands (Amsterdam), Germany (Magdenburg & Berlin), Portugal (Lisbon), USA (Washington DC & New York), Mexico (Merida), Costa Rica (San Jose), Cuba (Havana), Dominican Republic (St. Domingo & Santiago de los Caballeros), Venezuela (Maracaibo) etc. He is back in Aruba to teach, organize exhibitions, make artistic video documentaries & interactive websites. This year he started a new foundation for the new-media arts called: www.cultura.tv. He has put together a fantastic team to work with the Aruban youth to explore the Aruban culture and focusing on the new-media arts. Together with Leopold Laclé, a young IT-specialist, they are handing out a interactive video based platform for the youth in connections to the arts & music through the site www.sve.tv [Suave TV]. Ryan has won prizes through the arts and got awarded for an artistic childrens website on how to cope with grief.
For more information contact: ryan@ryanoduber.com
Visit their web site at www.ryanoduber.com |
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Eefje van Twillert
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. Succesfully the courses ‘creative art for youth leaders A & B’ were completed. These creative capacities were further developed by giving creative therapy at the psyciatric centre ‘Zon and Schild’ in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. |
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During this timeperiod classes were taken in pottery, glazing, etc. and she was given the leadership position in a pottery center in the above-mentioned center. 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 youthcentres 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
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Jane Hochstuhl Getty
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.” |
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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
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