Readytex Art Gallery and curators Kenneth Flijders and Shaundell Horton, are happy to invite you to visit the new exhibition Beyond Bondage, starting from July 6. For this exhibition the curators chose a special selection of artwork from various artists, to commemorate this year’s 160th anniversary of Keti Koti, the abolishment of slavery, on the 1st of July. In addition to his role as co-curator, visual artist Kenneth Flijders is also the ‘Local Master’ of Beyond Bondage. With his affinity for historical scenes and themes in a large part of his artistic expressions, his work was a fitting point of departure for the creation of this collection.
The exhibition displays our turbulent history of slavery and colonialism, but it also shows works that reflect on the way in which we, as a community, have grown beyond this heavy historical baggage and continue to grow. Indeed, as the title says: Beyond Bondage.
The selected artworks make reference to subjects such as slavery, colonialism and oppression, but the emphasis lies particularly on the present; on our ancestral heritage and on us coming together and working together as one nation, towards the goal of a better future for all.
From Flijders for example, there is work that directly addresses the cruelties of slavery, but also an abstract work that portrays a colorful mamio (patchwork), which is symbolic of our beautiful mixed community. In one of her newer works Shaundell Horton portrays the fusion between the imposed Western religion and that of the African ancestors, and in yet another work she gives expression to our varied, though often fused backgrounds and ethnicities. Then there are also new works by Sri Irodikromo, Rinaldo Klas, Dhiradj Ramsamoedj and Wilgo Vijfhoven that evoke feelings ranging from nostalgia, to appreciation for the sacrifice and legacy of our ancestors, to a sense of hope. The collection in Beyond Bondage furthermore displays works of art by Reinier Asmoredjo, Leonnie van Eert, Miguel Keerveld, John Lie-A-Fo, Kurt Nahar, Sunil Puljhun, Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi, René Tosari, Steven Towirjo, Hanka Wolterstorff and from guest artist Eline Visser.
Beyond Bondage can be visited at Readytex Art Gallery from Thursday July 6, until Saturday July 29, during the regular opening hours of the gallery. These are from Monday – Friday, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Team Readytex Art Gallery