Caribbean Linked II Artist Blogs: Robin de Vogel

September 27, 2013May 20, 2015Leave a comment

Dutch/Aruban artist Robin de Vogel shares her experience during Caribbean Linked II, a residency programme at Ateliers ’89, Aruba. She describes her need to appropriate and settle into a studio space, accumulating ‘objets trouvés’ as a part of her creative process. As she carved out this space for herself, she also discovered where she fit in the environments constructed by her fellow resident artists. Through their time together she noticed the closing of a gap between the Caribbean islands, building “a bridge where only creative-exchange is accepted as toll fare.”

Robin de Vogel marking the Ateliers ’89 van

Planting Long-distance Seeds

After the first breakfast with all of us at the table, eating while debating politics and manners of campaigning in the Caribbean, I walked through the blue and yellow halls of the Ateliers in pursuit of a good spot to start working. Sofia had set up shop in the far left corner of the first room, one of the larger and lighter spaces in the building. With some of the space already being semi occupied, I moved some tables around to figure out where I’d want to put down roots for the coming two weeks of our residency. I strategically placed myself facing away from the doorway, as I know myself to be continuously curious and therefore easily distracted by everything around me.

About two months ago, two weeks prior to my graduation show, the time had come to clean up the studio space I had inhabited for the past year. I felt like a snail without its shell after everything was moved around, cleaned up, thrown out or saved by taking it home. All the different materials I’d managed to accumulate during the semester to “one day” be of use and my ever-growing collage on the wall. Pictures, postcards, newspaper clippings, objets trouvés, souvenirs and film stills.

Studio space snapshot 2012

They function as tangible trains of thought being slowed down and captured on the walls around me, as though the content of my brain is lightly hugging me.

Appropriating a studio space as my own is crucial for my sanity. During the first few days of the residency I started a small investigation into the studio spaces of the other resident artists. It was exciting to see each individual formulate their workspace in their own style. My own ideal ‘two-week-working-space’ needed a mascot of some sort, sooner rather than later. I promised myself to make, find, steal or collect one object a day, for a week. It led to a small altar.

A mascot a day keeps the doctor away, Robin de Vogel, 2013

As the days progressed I began to realise the vast significance a project like Caribbean Linked II carries within the development of Caribbean art today. The project is not only about establishing a direct link between ten young Caribbean artists during their time in Aruba, but it forms a direct bridge between the islands, a bridge where only creative-exchange is accepted as toll fare. Upon asking curator Holly Bynoe why she believes in this project so very much she answered: “We are planting seeds”.

Image by Shirley Rufin

The work I made during the residency spoke about our ‘reach’ as a human being. Our reach can be categorized as something tangible and measurable like a radius or a circumference, but at the same time our reach can be something elusive and invisible. An opinion exchanged about a work in progress can lead to a complete overhaul in someone’s point of view. Hence the reach of that particular dialogue is immeasurable and untold, as is the importance of the seeds planted during Caribbean Linked II. The elements I take home with me from the continuous exchange that took place during those two weeks are undeniable. I have become aware of a much broader range of artistic possibilities within the Caribbean, various residency programs, projects and creative institutes that I am extremely excited about. Getting to know these beautiful human beings from all over the Caribbean and sharing my island with them makes the oceanic barrier feel so much smaller. Ultimately it leads to an amplified sense of connectivity amongst the different islands as well as an increased feeling of personal responsibility to promote and unite in our diversity.

Image by Shirley Rufin

Image by the artist

About Robin de Vogel:

Robin de Vogel is a Dutch artist raised on the island of Aruba. She participated in photography, drawing, painting and installation art workshops provided by Ateliers ’89. In 2008, she moved back to The Netherlands to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Ceramics Department at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. She also engages in various collaborative projects and exhibitions in Europe and the Caribbean. Robin’s work often takes the form of installations that revolve around the sensibility of the viewer. Her pieces aim to serve as a subtle disruption of the daily routine. Currently, Robin is completing her exam year and is preparing to pursue a Master of Fine Arts Degree after the summer.

CARIBBEAN LINKED II is a residency programme and exhibition organized by Ateliers ’89 Foundation in collaboration with ARC Inc. and The Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc. and funded by the Mondriaan Foundation. The programme took place from August 25th through September 6th, 2013 in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Caribbean Linked II review: Sofia Maldonado

September 23, 2013May 20, 2015Leave a comment

Puerto Rican/US based artist Sofia Maldonado writes about her experience during Caribbean Linked II, a residency programme at Ateliers ’89, Aruba. Maldonado cites the importance of projects like this in transcending boundaries – geographical, political, cultural and language limitations – and instead revealing the commonalities of the region. The relationships and dialogue that emerged out of the diverse work each artist produced for the final exhibition was testimony to the fact that in the Caribbean “there is far more that unites, than separates.”

Sofia Maldonado and Kevin Schuit jump off pier. Image by Mark King

A Jump into the Sea

Aruba was home to ten Caribbean artists for two weeks from August 25 to September 6. This 19-mile long island of the Lesser Antilles happens to be one of the great tourist stops in the Dutch-Caribbean, but for these contemporary artists it became an artistic workshop. For two weeks, Aruba was transformed into a studio of endless possibilities, conceptual research, and multicultural exchange. Between long walks on the white sand of this intriguing “desert island” and sporadic swims in the pristine Caribbean Sea, ten artists from the Spanish, French, English and Dutch Antilles were able to meet face to face and share an incredible moment of creative exchange.

This cultural exchange was made possible, thanks to the three daring directors that organized Caribbean Linked II at Ateliers ‘89. Annalee Davis, director of the Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc., Holly Bynoe, curator and Editor-in-Chief of ARC Magazine and Elvis Lopez, director of the Ateliers ’89, challenged the great geographical barrier of the Caribbean, its sea, and brought together artists from “afar”, representatives of the cultural diversity inherent to the Caribbean. Artists whose origins, languages and artistic media are very diverse were invited to converse about the importance of creating alternative spaces, establishing links between the artists of the different islands, exchanging ideas and sharing their creative process.

Caribbean Linked II artists- top to bottom, left to right: Germille Geerman, Robin de Vogel, Mark King, Sofia Maldonado, Omar Kuwas, Rodell Warner, Shirley Rufin, Kevin Schuit, Veronica Dorsett and Dhiradj Ramsamoedj. Image by Mark King.

Economic and artistic limitations in many Caribbean islands often compel young contemporary artists to turn their heads towards the booming capitals in the US or Europe that have larger art budgets and art markets; leaving behind – much to their regret – the Caribbean as a possible creative arena. Caribbean Linked II at Ateliers ’89 offered a journey into the artistic complexities of a postcolonial society. All Caribbean artists have at least two things in common: their colonial past and their postcolonial present. Aruba provided the perfect setting for a natural and spontaneous dialogue between the artists who found themselves “at home in the Caribbean”. The trips to the arid landscapes, the interactions with the Aruban people provided the opportunity to discuss a shared history and culture. It was a voyage of cultural, historic and political awareness. The artists were given the space to puzzle out their own experiences, experiment and create. Some collaborated in a physical way, others on a philosophical level.

Ateliers ’89 is not alone in this endeavor. Important creative networks have been on the rise in the Caribbean. A growing need for global and intra-island connections has encouraged the creation of spaces such as: The Fresh Milk Art Platform in Barbados, NLS (New Local Space) in Jamaica, Ateliers ’89 in Aruba, Instituto Buena Bista in Curacao, Alice Yard in Trinidad, Beta Local in Puerto Rico and many others. These programs have inspired contemporary art practices in their own countries and have projected them outside of their natural boundary, the sea. Although the Caribbean islands are pretty close together, the natural barrier hampers cultural exchange and communication. There are also other obstacles, besides the sea, that impede the flow of ideas between islands, most of which have their origins in the colonial period. Whatever political discrepancies, cultural and language differences exist are the remnants of colonial times. Creative spaces, like Ateliers ’89, hope to break through these complexities and obstacles in order to bring together artists, artistic manifestations and people. Experiences like Caribbean Linked II bring forth the pivotal truth: there is far more that unites, than separates.

Work from Sofia Maldonado ‘Tropical Studio’. Image courtesy of Rodell Warner.

Elvis Lopez, director of Ateliers ’89, recognizes the communication barriers within the diverse islands of the region. He has been able to provide a crucial exchange by inviting the selected artists to CARIBBEAN LINKED II: Omar Kuwas (Curaçao), Veronica Dorsett (The Bahamas), Mark King (Barbados), Shirley Rufin (Martinique), Sofia Maldonado (Puerto Rico/US), Dhiradj Ramsamoedj (Suriname), Rodell Warner (Trinidad and Tobago), Robin de Vogel, Kevin Schuit and Germille Geerman (Aruba). A group exhibition concluded the two week long residency. ARC Magazine and Fresh Milk will publish each artist’s written contribution and recollection about his/her experience on their online platforms.

As Mark King wrote, “CARIBBEAN LINKED II was an experiment gone right. Throw ten artists into a beaker, step back, and see what happens. Having Aruba as the setting was a great call. The island is such a cultural melting pot, an ideal space to navigate our processes and promote collaboration.”

During two long weeks, winds of creative and conceptual freedom blew in Aruba, the desert-island. Caribbean artists explored outside the boundaries of the art studio. Some artists worked with what they found: construction materials, all sorts of objects, fabric, rocks and money. Others developed an evident curiosity for the arid landscapes of Aruba, patterns found in floor tiles and political propaganda. The use of photography as final medium or part of the creative process was a constant in the group.

Work from Sofia Maldonado ‘Tropical Studio’. Image courtesy of the artist.

There was an intriguing correlation between all the projects. Surprisingly all of the pieces synced. Ten artists speak one language. It is Caribbean. It is Contemporary. It is World-art. It is the voice of an emerging generation of artists that speak a universal language independently of our Caribbean heritage.

About Sofia Maldonado:

Sofia Maldonado is a muralist mixing interdisciplinary art practice with street culture. Born in Puerto Rico, from a Cuban mother, 1984. In 2002 she participated in a Sculpture and Installation Seminar at the School of Visual Arts, in New York. Between 2002 & 2006, she pursued undergraduate work in art and design at the La Escuela de Artes Plasticas. In 2006 she achieved a Painting MFA from Pratt Institute, New York. In 2009 she received a scholarship by the Cuban Artist Fund to be part of Vermont Studios Residency.

CARIBBEAN LINKED II is a residency programme and exhibition organized by Ateliers ’89 Foundation in collaboration with ARC Inc. and The Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc. and funded by the Mondriaan Foundation. The programme took place from August 25th through September 6th, 2013 in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Caribbean Linked II Artist Blogs: Veronica Dorsett

September 15, 2013May 20, 2015Leave a comment

Bahamian artist, Veronica Dorsett writes about her experience during the Caribbean Linked II residency programme at Ateliers ’89, Aruba. Dorsett reflects on moments of anticipation and how her hopes for moving forward in her work were propelled to a new level during the residency. Her intimate connection to the resident artists, the Aruban landscape and culture provoked an awakening in her that she didn’t foresee. Learn more about Caribbean Linked and Dorsett’s awakening here.

Veronica Dorsett in Aruba. Photographs courtesy of Shirley Rufin and Omar Kuwas.

Dear Aruba…
As we close our eyes at night, the conscious or subconscious hopes of a sweet dream are as defined as the hazy nothingness most of us conjure up. We dabble in thought before drifting off and most times with no real focus on any one thing we create a beautiful myriad of fragmented images. These images then cluster together delving us into a dreamlike state where, if you’re lucky, you’ll find Elvis Lopez, a couple of Arubans with a botched pick-up truck named ‘the Bronco’, 7 strangers, a couple of wine bottles – well, maybe more than a couple – and an empty art gallery begging to be filled. Yup, for me, being in Aruba simply felt like an extended dream that I quite honestly wish lasted just a little bit longer.

As my plane landed on this Happy Little Island, I quickly wrote down a few random thoughts and they were along the lines of the following:

Veronica’s notes.

I think it’s safe to say that by the end of that note, my dream had begun.

Arriving on the island from a ‘tourists’’ perspective was one thing, but experiencing “Aruba” for what it truly is with the local resident artists (Robin De Vogel, Germille Geerman and Kevin Schuit) was unforgettable. Seeing the raw beauty of the island allowed each of the visiting artists to find direct comparisons to “home”; and yet in the same breath, allowed us to uncover the distinct differences that exists between our islands.

Throughout the residency, as the baby of the group, I found myself very aware of my own personal search for my ‘style’ or my ‘tool’ as a budding artist. This residency became a major stepping stone in my career as I battled through uncertainty and sheer confusion for seven days straight. My lack of focus and frustration with my inability to even ‘create’ a focal point from everything Aruba had to offer brought me to a low where I simply felt defeated. Fortunately, I was able to talk to the other artists around me and draw from them their perspectives and words of advice to help me find my way. The short talks I had with each of them allowed me to accept my “lack of focus” as my “focal point” by taking all these ideas and experiences and combining them into a simple form that I could engage with – a black hole with a few ‘strings attached’. This form allowed me to create an answer to all my questions and combining it with random objects I had found as I walked through Aruba along with magazine cutouts pushed me into a realm of ‘organized clutter’.

Veronica’s work – Focus for Caribbean Linked.

The studio visits to local artists Ciro Abath, Osaira Muyale and Glenda Heyliger were crucial to my process during as well as after this residency at Atelier89. I keenly remember the sketches and models from Ciro’s studio along with the “all blue everything” sculpture’s at Osaira’s studio; both of which tapped into a sculptural craving I had somehow I forgotten I had. Seeing their work once again forced me to question whether I was using the right ‘tool’ or medium to create my work. And ‘Oh, Glenda’, who could forget Glenda? She definitely impacted me on an emotional level and boosted my confidence as she urged me to not be afraid of releasing my fears and most honest opinions within my work.

Veronica’s Collages from Focus for Caribbean Linked.

The dreamlike state that I continually found myself in was only encouraged by the drama free environment we all shared. It all came together in a magical way where we enjoyed one another’s company and made the most out of each day. Much of the nightlife was quite similar to home for me with one of my favorites being our night at ‘Don Pincho’ where we had either chicken, shrimp or mixed ‘pincho’s’ or what we like to call in the Bahamas “shish kabobs”. After that bellyful, we then danced the night away or at least everyone else danced while Mark King (Barbados) and I were attempting to master the ‘Bachata’ with the help of Omar Kuwas and Shirley Rufin who was our dancing queen of the night!

Veronica installing work for Caribbean Linked II

Another ‘exciting’ memory was made when a random dog charged at me as we were heading to a restaurant for dinner and I ever so “gracefully” (as Rodell Warner from Trinidad put it) leapt into Omar Kuwas’ (Curacao) arms out of complete and utter fear. Thankfully, the dog retreated and no one (except for Omar’s back) was hurt. In light of the moment we were given the nicknames “Shaggy and Scooby” and it became one of those classic moments that were unfortunately not caught on camera!

Resident artists at Don Pincho

I can honestly say that this residency in Aruba has not only catapulted my thinking in a new direction but it has inspired me to share my practice more openly within my own community. For me, the concept alone of linking a group of people who all share a commonality through the Caribbean region and diaspora is an amazing opportunity that should be seized time and time again. The connections we have made will not only insure growth but it will also help create a stronger definitive of that which is ‘Caribbean’.

Boundaries have been broken, spirits have been lifted, a few wine bottles have been popped open and this dream has finally become reality.
To all my follow resident artists, the curators and most affectionately to Elvis Lopez, until next time!

Sincerely,

Your Bahamian Sister.
Veronica Vo Dorsett

Ateliers ’89 director, the extraordinary Elvis Lopez.

About Veronica Dorsett:

Veronica Dorsett was born in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas on November 20th, 1992. Currently living in Nassau, Bahamas as a student of the College of the Bahamas, Dorsett received an associate’s degree in art in the fall of 2012. She is primarily an installation artist but also shares a great interest in sculptural, ceramic and mixed media works. As a recent recipient of the 2012 Popopstudios ICVA Junior Residency Prize, she hopes the opportunity will push her work in a whole new direction as she aims to pursue a BFA in Sculpture in 2013.

CARIBBEAN LINKED II is a residency programme and exhibition organized by Ateliers ’89 Foundation in collaboration with ARC Inc. and The Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc. and funded by the Mondriaan Foundation. The programme took place from August 25th through September 6th, 2013 in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Caribbean Linked II Artist Blogs: Mark King

September 11, 2013May 20, 2015Leave a comment

Barbadian artist Mark King shares his blog post about the Caribbean Linked II residency programme at Ateliers ’89, Aruba. King describes the experience as ‘an extended lucid dream’, one which all of the artists were reluctant to see end. He found the experience of being thrust into a new environment for an intensive two weeks of making, visiting artist studios and interacting with fresh talent emerging from the region incredibly rewarding, and all of the conditions came together to allow him to experiment with new ways of working and let his creative process evolve.

Sofia Maldonado, Dhiradj Ramsamoedj, Robin de Vogel, Shirley Rufin and Mark Kking. Image courtesy of Shirley Rufin.

Sofia Maldonado, Dhiradj Ramsamoedj, Robin de Vogel, Shirley Rufin and Mark King. Image courtesy of Shirley Rufin.

I’m finding difficulty putting my Aruba experience into words. On the final day our group had concluded that we were all in an extended lucid dream. A dream that was moments away from being rudely interrupted by an overzealous armrest pirate on the crammed flight back home.

Caribbean Linked ll was an experiment gone right. Throw 10 artists into a beaker, step back, and see what happens. Having Aruba as the setting was a great call. The island is such a cultural melting pot, an ideal space to navigate our processes and promote collaboration.

Breeze blocks. Image courtesy Mark King.

I fell in love with the local breezeblocks early into my stay; drawing, photographing, and spinning them. Political party flags and pop up campaign block parties were hard to avoid since it was election season. I drew most of my inspiration from my fellow artists in residence, the architecture, political flags and the sea of interlocking geometric shapes apparent throughout the island.

The added interaction with local established artists was a big bonus. They were so supportive and generous with their time and feedback. I was fortunate enough to be guided by master sculptor Ciro Abath in my pursuit to sculpt my version of the local breeze blocks. Although I was unable to finish the sculpture the experience working in a new medium was immensely rewarding. I have Robin de Vogel to thank as well for taking me through the process step by step.

Robin de Vogel and Mark King. Image by Omar Kuwas.

Mark King and Ciro Abath. Image courtesy Mark King

I ended up exhibiting two pieces created using media I had not made work in prior to Aruba. #1 is a collage constructed of psychedelic origami paper and stickers , and Draai Mi consists of a concrete breeze block, 23.75 karat gold leaf, and electrical tape.

Caribbean Linked ll was about bringing together emerging artists from the across the region to make magic. All of the artist blog posts express that sentiment. We are a solid group. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this art camp for grown ups. Where else could you get free dance (merci Shirley) and Papiamento lessons that include rounds of Balashi and Old Parr*?

Installation view. Photo courtesy of Mark King.

Mark King, Never Make Fun of a Millionaire

The program was designed in a way that promoted a go-with-the-flow vibe we all had to adapt to. It allowed me to take things slowly and to have my current process (post Fresh Milk residency) evolve. Back in Barbados, sitting at my desk, I look up at my wall and what do I see, gaffer taped to it? The seed for the inspiration behind #1 staring right back at me. Funny how things unexpectedly link back sometimes.

Big thank you to Elvis Lopez, Annalee Davis, and Holly Bynoe for inviting me to be a part of this amazing residency.

Masha Danki, Aruba.

About Mark King:

Mark King is a Barbadian visual artist primarily working with photography. In 2011, he participated in a screen printing artist in residency at the Frans Masereel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium. In the same year he was selected by the Lucie Foundation for their apprenticeship program. During the summer of 2012, Mark served as artist in residence at Alice Yard in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Mark most recently was Fresh Milk’s artist in residence from March – April 2013 in Saint George, Barbados.

Mark has called Barbados, The Bahamas, Brussels, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. home. His international perspective greatly informs his process. His work deals with themes relating to the individual’s stereotypical role in society. Satire is an integral part of his artwork.

Caribbean Linked II Artist Blogs: Germille Geerman

September 10, 2013May 20, 2015Leave a comment

Aruban artist Germille Geerman shares his blog post about Caribbean Linked II, his recent residency at Ateliers ’89, Aruba. Following his review of the opening exhibition, Geerman tells us more about the time leading up to it, and playing hard in addition to working hard as he got to know the other residents. He emphasizes the value of having spaces like this to feel comfortable in and form connections, while still engaging with like minded, critical artists.

The infamous Bronco.

Have you ever heard of men with pink nails?? Man did Those pink walls have me beat,… But the painting Had to be done,… My new motto for the Ateliers is, “Meet me at the Giant Lipstick…” And they did… The meet & greet was nice… Alydia Kicked ass,… and There I met them,… Mark, Rodell, Veronica, Omar, Shirley, Sofia, Robin, and of course Kevin,… It’s great seeing him again,… and meeting everybody else, breaking the ice… Dhiraj Didn’t make it on time,… But he did the next day… Fashionably late in his Flexibleman SUIT and with a great speech… We had breakfast, lunch and dinn,… Well, we had Heavy Lunches to say the least… We got classes where we got to know each & everyone’s career & goals… We were Served like Kings & Queens,… And Mentored by the finest on the island,…

Aritsts meeting with Ciro Abath for a studio visit

It was an honor getting to know these Aruban contemporary Artists So close & Personal,… Visiting their Ateliers, being in their homes… A little bit of the “family feeling” even if it was for a little while… I had a lot to do before it all started… Every day,… Late nights, and “try-to” early mornings, kind of,… Don Jacinto’s Was great,.. It’s a pity the waitresses didn’t make it to the expo… They’ve treated us well,… The Guys liked them a great bunch… Ciro (Terafuse), Osaira (StudiO), Glenda (San Nicolas TV), Ryan (SWBE Media), Alydia Wever Theater Dance Company… Carubbian, Buchi’s Place, Not Buchi Bar (there’s a difference) Copacabana for the great tip,… Ofno Glenda?? Alejandra, Local store, Kevin’s Pool Party, Danny @House of Music, Bruno Getz, Taliban, For the amazing Vibez… Don Pinchos, mano,… If you’re ever in the area Do pass by,… All Great People,… they treated us all Grandly… And shall treat you so Too,… Zeerovers? Epicc swa,… Still Looking forward for the GIF’s Mark,… Que Pasa… Last year was with Annalee, This year was with Holly, by accident,… Same table too,… Funny coincidence… Those waiters did not come also,… What is it with waiters not visiting us on our expo night, Right?

The wine.

Here I met Friends,… The Golden Kind,… We all have same aims & goals,… Ain’t that something… Everyone had their corner… Yup, the Ateliers is THAT BIG… We had a Bronco,… a Birdie,… We Concur & Conquered (original, no copia) The whole Island for those 12 days,… Yup… Aruba was Our Oyster,… And will always be,… We had 2 huge wine Bottles to do some Art with… So we did, we drank them for inspiration and of course, The Ultimate Party Fuel… Right Guys??? “Apparently we kind of got in trouble”… But we did Not… They asked for art, and Are Getting a Pretty Amazing unique Contemporary Glass Piece, To add to their collection, In collaboration with Ciro Abath, Mr Terafuse… I’m going to label it after work today… And Sign in to our name so we can deliver it… The Sponsor didn’t make it the opening night… I supposed it’d be nice if we get to host him at a Closing Expo,… It’s all Soooooo Worth it,… And he does deserve to get his Gift with a Bang,… Once again Elvis did it,… Ateliers ’89 is a very important place for culture & Education, Folks,… I hope The Big Ones who should realize that do So, and do keep on pushing it,… Elvis Deserves it,… But Aruba too,… Deserves Ateliers ’89… It’s a monument, man… One that I know like “mi plant’I man”… To Nicole, Shantrelle & Holly & Annalee,… Thank You all a Bunch.. It was sooo worth it, and soo beautiful indeed… To everybody that made it happen, Thank You all a bunch… And to those who came, It’s an honor & a pleasure to have had shared this with all of you… And Those who didn’t make it yet? Ta KI BO TA WARDA ANTO,..!?!?!?
Salu2…

About Germille Geerman:

Germille German is an emerging visual artist and writer from Aruba. Born in 1988 he started using film at the age of 15 working for the local ATV station. He has travelled widely, and started formal training at the Ateliers ’89 under Elvis Lopez in 2009. He started freelancing at the age of 20 and is looking for his next great destination.