Dear art lovers and relations,
We kindly request your attention for the special solo exhibition ALAKONDRE TORI of visual artist Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi, opening in Readytex Art Gallery on Thursday November 3. The exhibition is part of a broader project of the artist, which had its start on the 1st of October, within ‘de week van het Nederlands’ (Dutch language week), with the presentation of her new book Het Alakondre Drakenmeisje (The Alakondre Dragon Girl). With her exhibition ALAKONDRE TORI Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi offers visitors the opportunity to see and enjoy the actual works of art that are included in her book.
The text and paintings in Kit-Ling’s book tell the story of the wonderful life of Darey Ann, who lives in Suriname. During her adolescence she ends up in the Netherlands and then in China, to ultimately return to Suriname. In the story it becomes clear that Darey Ann, who has a hybrid personality just like the artist, possesses tremendous resilience, because she is Alakondre.
The idea to write a book about Darey Ann who is in search of her identity, originated about fifteen years ago. The writing process was accelerated in recent years, mainly because of the various inspiring krutu taking place within the current ALAKONDRE: A Space in Time project at Readytex Art Gallery. This again resulted in the creation of the corresponding artworks. The exhibition ALAKONDRE TORI is an integral part of this larger project at the gallery, and fits in seamlessly with the fascinating dialogues that are held within that context. In addition to the artworks from the book, the exhibition includes more works of art by Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi that also tell an Alakondre tori.
The book and the exhibition also include an educational program. Thanks to various sponsors, Kit-Ling was able to present a copy of the book to secondary schools. The students are invited to visit the solo exhibition ALAKONDRE TORI, where they will participate in an interactive educational program, which includes reading sessions. They will thus experience the connection between the stories in the book and the artworks, and will engage in conversations with the artist. In the meantime, a follow-up process is being developed in collaboration with the ‘Algemene Onderwijsbibliotheek’ (General Library of the Education Ministry). In the second quarter of the school year 2022 – 2023, a drawing/painting and writing competition will be held. Inspired by Kit-Ling’s book Het Alakondre Drakenmeisje, the students will draw or paint and write about a particular subject.
We look forward to welcoming you at the opening of ALAKONDRE TORI on Thursday November 3, between 7:00 and 9:00 pm. The official opening will take place at 7:30 pm.
Team Readytex Art Gallery