In my art expressions I am often preoccupied with the subject that most fascinates me, specifically, women. Their beauty captivates me but more importantly it is their inner strength during hardship and periods of disappointment and emotional or financial setback, which interests me most. Regardless of circumstances, they always manage to keep their heads above water and do whatever is necessary to provide for their children.

In Suriname women too often still hold a subordinate position to men, and traditionally accepted standards regarding the role of women within the family structure, are in many places still the same as they were many, many years ago. Through my art I hope to raise awareness and stimulate confidence and strength, so that every woman is encouraged to fight for her right to equal opportunity. Furthermore, I prefer to paint women as they were born not just because I want to portray them naked, but because as an artist I am awed by the beauty of the female form. I do not paint a perfect realistic likeness, but over the years I have developed my own unique style. I try, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously, to shift ‘normal expected boundaries’ while working and have managed very clearly to create my own distinct identity as an artist. The women in my paintings can potentially represent any and every woman; my fascination for women knows no distinction; not in reality and not on canvas either.

Wilgo Vijfhoven applies his watered down, bright acrylic paints directly to his canvas and allows the natural flow and mix of the paints to inspire the forms and compositions. His sensual subjects are predominantly striking red against a bright yellow background. The red is occasionally also contrasted with bright greens or blues. Upon careful inspection other carefully disguised and subtle elements such as fish or birds can also be detected amongst the clever compositions in the paintings by Vijfhoven.

Working experience:
1988 - 2016 Art teacher at the Nola Hatterman Institute, Paramaribo, Suriname




Exhibitions:
2017 TNF of October "Beastly", Readytex Art Gallery, Suriname
2017 TNF of May "Open House", Readytex Art Gallery, Suriname
2017 TNF of March "Open House", Readytex Art Gallery, Suriname
2015 Opening exhibition new location Readytex Art Gallery, Paramaribo, Suriname
2014 Circus Terminal, international traveling exhibition, De Hal, Suriname
2014 WAT, RAG group exhibition, De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2013 Exhibition 20 years Readytex Art Gallery, De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2012 National Art Fair, Paramaribo, Suriname
2012 Solo exhibition "Rood", RAG in De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2012 Revealing our stored treasures, RAG in De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2011 National Art Fair, Paramaribo, Suriname
2010 Vredig, Vrij en Vriendelijk, De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2010 National Art Fair, Paramaribo, Suriname
2010 Kunst is Kracht, Readytex Art Gallery in De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2010 Colourful Friendships, Queens Park Gallery, Barbados