Dear art friends,
Readytex Art Gallery kindly invites you to visit the special exhibition ‘In de Blaauwe Boon’ (In the Blue Bean), curated by literary historian Hilde Neus, whose focus is on describing women’s histories. This exhibition is inspired by her research into the manumitted Caatje van Heijne, who owned two houses on Maagdenstraat and Jodenbreestraat, close to where Readytex Art Gallery is currently located.
Caatje van Heijne was also owner of the coffee plantation Dwingelo. In Suriname, the coffee that was grown there was called ‘blauwe bonen’ (blue beans), because it took on a blue hue after washing. The exhibition is therefore quite appropriately named: ‘In de Blaauwe Boon’. With this as her point of departure, the curator allowed the color blue to guide her in her selection of artworks. The collection includes works from the artists Shaundell Horton, Miguel Keerveld, Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi, Rinaldo Klas, Roddney Tjon Poen Gie, Wilgo Vijfhoven, Sri Irodikromo, Kenneth Flijders, Dhiradj Ramsamoedj, John Lie A Fo, Reinier Asmoredjo, Sunil Puljhun, Kurt Nahar and Hanka Wolterstorff, as well as works from the private collection of Hilde Neus, by among others, José Kamps and Purcy Tjin. Collectively they form a dynamic and powerful combination with women front and center, a perfect fit with the person Caatje van Heijne.
Caatje van Heijne lived in the 18th century and was an enslaved woman, who was later manumitted by her owner Johan Frederik Heijne. Together they had three children and when he passed away, Caatje and the children inherited the Dwingelo coffee plantation. This inheritance, combined with Caatje’s business acumen, brought her and her descendants prosperity and wealth. On Saturday February 17, Hilde Neus will give a presentation in the gallery about the life of this remarkable woman.
‘In de Blaauwe Boon’ can be visited in Readytex Art Gallery from Friday February 2, until Saturday March 2, 2024, from Monday thru Friday, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
We hope to welcome you and your guests during the exhibition and at the presentation.
Team Readytex Art Gallery

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