On the 21st of June, the Kibii foundation from visual artist Marcel Pinas and the Readytex Art Gallery launched a series of art exhibitions within the framework of Kibii Wi Koni Marcel Pinas The Event. This large multifaceted event marks the first time ever in Suriname, that an art event of such significant proportions is organized based on the work of one artist only. The artist’s innovative artworks in a variety of forms (from installations to objects, from videos to paintings), the strong social message within, the ambitious mission for his home district of Marowijne and Pinas’ worldwide achievements in the field of art, simply demand an event of much larger scale than a standard art exhibition. This conviction is further endorsed by the title of the new book about the artist which will be presented at the opening of the first exhibition of the event in the KKF: Marcel Pinas. Artist, more than an artist. The project Kibii Wi Koni Marcel Pinas The Event presents the work of Surinamese artist Marcel Pinas who is known worldwide for the culturally inspired artworks and art objects which he creates under the theme Kibri a Kulturu (preserve the culture). With his work Pinas creates a lasting record of valuable elements from the maroon culture and by doing so contributes, in his own unique way, to the preservation of the culture that is also his own heritage. In the past few years Pinas has, in part also because of his residency at the Rijksacademie in Amsterdam, exhibited numerous fascinating installations and multimedia art objects on many occasions in Europe and other countries in the region. With his art Pinas calls not only for the preservation of the maroon culture, but also aims to draw attention to serious social and environmental issues currently threatening the wellbeing and the existence of maroon and indigenous communities in Suriname. Through his Kibii Foundation in Suriname, which operates mainly from the town Moengo in the Northeastern District of Marowijne, Marcel Pinas works on the development, the motivation and the creation of an inspirational nucleus, a space where art- and culture education is offered to young and old in order to provide them with the skills to create a better future for themselves and their families. The Tembe Art Studio (TAS) at Moengo is the center of all these activities. Art objects by Marcel Pinas, amongst which also the well known Moiwana-monument, are dispersed throughout the public space in the district of Marowijne. With Kibii Wi Koni Marcel Pinas The Event the artist shares with the Surinamese public all his work, including also the objects which have previously gained much attention at his art exhibitions in many countries throughout the World, and with which he has managed to put Surinamese art and artists on the map in a strong and positive way. The exhibitions have their kickoff in June, but the event was officially launched with an interactive educational program for schoolchildren, which ran from March 17 until April 19 in the children’s museum Villa Zapakara. Based on this successful school project a documentary was produced which is named: KIBII WI KONI a Pinas in every child. This film and the work created by the schoolchildren will be included in subsequent activities of the event. Kibii Wi Koni Marcel Pinas The Event will be continued with the following exhibitions: • A comprehensive exhibition of primarily three-dimensional artworks from June 21 – June 28 at the KKF, Prof. W.J.A. Kernkampweg 37, Paramaribo. This exhibition also showcases the majority of artworks that Marcel Pinas has previously exhibited abroad. The evening program consists of lectures, a krutu (conversation), guided tours and cultural performances. On this occasion the new book about Marcel Pinas will also be presented: Marcel Pinas. Artist, more than an artist. • An exhibition of new works of art (primarily paintings) from June 29 – July 3 in De Hal, Grote Combéweg 45, Paramaribo. During this exhibition a presentation from Tembe Art Studio (TAS) is included in the program. • The comprehensive exhibition will move to the district of Marowijne where it will be on display from July 30- October 30 in de EBS-Hal, Abraham Crijnssenlaan 42, Moengo.
Kibii Wi Koni Marcel Pinas The Event was made possible by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Join us on facebook if you like to see action photos of the making of the event and of the opening nights: www.facebook.com/Readytex.Art.Gallery
See the promo video for the event: http://vimeo.com/24788222 Other Links: http://srananart.wordpress.com/2011/06/11/kibii-wi-koni-marcel-pinas-the-event/ http://repeatingislands.com/2011/06/22/art-exhibitions-%E2%80%9Ckibii-wi-koni-marcel-pinas-the-event%E2%80%9D/ http://www.apintie.sr/vidi.php?vid=2517 From the brochure Kibii Wi Koni Marcel Pinas The Event
