In her new solo exhibition, the Surinamese artist Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi displays, just as in her previous exhibition, her fascination for the interplay between visual art and the art of words. It is therefore quite appropriate that the opening of her exhibition which is named SHORT STORIES, is also the May 8th opening event for the cultural program of the 13th International conference of the ‘Association of Caribbean Women Writers and Scholars’ at Fort Zeelandia. The main theme in Kit-Ling’s work fits in seamlessly to that of the conference which will be hosted by Suriname this year. Their theme is: ‘The Caribbean, the Land and the People: Women’s Efforts, Women’s Lives’. The subject of women and the challenges and issues faced by women today, play an essential role in the art and the writings of Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi.
Women are indeed of great importance in the art of Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi, but this does not mean that other themes are excluded in her collections. The artist finds her inspiration in her surroundings, her country, its rich culture, its nature, and the typical architecture. And oftentimes one subject is merged with another. The collection consists of several series of which the imagery of each piece individually, but collectively stronger yet, makes the viewer curious and challenges him to speculation. The mood differs per series from serious and sober to cheerful and even fanciful. Although the artist commits herself fully, and with great attention to detail, to the quality and composition of her imagery, the underlying story hovers close to the surface. And when Kit-Ling adds the corresponding short stories, which incidentally read a lot like poems, to (and often in) the work, she sheds more light on the issue at hand. She transfers her imagination on to that of the viewer and all of a sudden the work comes even further to life. Behind the veil of the colorful and striking, sometimes also dreamy imagery, the mystery is slowly unraveled and in some cases the deeper social message is exposed. In several series the position and the development of women within the environment in which they exist, are put on display. With a series about the windows of wooden houses painted on wood, Kit-Ling portrays the charm and the diversity of this simple yet so characteristic element of Surinamese street scenery in a captivating manner. In yet another series, inspired by her ‘artist in residence’ period at the Vermont Studio Center in the USA, the artist sweeps the public along in her enchantment with and admiration of the breathtakingly beautiful nature which it seems held her its spell at that time.
As part of the program of the literary conference of the ACWWS, Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi will hold a presentation named ‘Caribbean Woman, Visual Artist, Writer, Centipede’, in Hotel Krasnapolsky on the 11th of May. Presenting also on that day is Annie Paul, writer and art historian from Jamaica. Subjects such as art and theatre will be included as topics on this conference day.
On the opening night of SHORT STORIES Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi will also present her booklet of this same name in which a selection of her artworks and the corresponding ‘short stories’ are beautifully recorded. SHORT STORIES the booklet can be purchased during the exhibition for SRD 25,-.
SHORT STORIES the solo exhibition of Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi can be visited at the Surinaams Museum at Fort Zeelandia from Wednesday the 9th thru Friday the 11th of May from 10:00 – 13:00 hrs and 19:00-21:30 hrs. The artist will be present and available to meet with the public on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 19:00 – 20:00 hrs.
For more information and/or visual materials please contact Readytex Art Gallery by telephone on (597) 421750 or via e-mail at info@readytexartgallery.com
For more information about Kit-ling Tjon Pian Gi please visit the artist’s resume at: www.readytexartgallery.com/kitlingtjonpiangi
For more information about the ACWWS conference and cultural program: www.facebook.com/events/311656512179499/
Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi