Un du

Exhibition details

Title:

Un Du – Onze kunst / Our art

Date:

30 September – 14 October 2017

Context

Un Du — which means ‘Our Art’ — brought together eight artists from Suriname for a group exhibition at Gallery Alma Blou. The exhibition highlighted the rich multicultural artistic tradition of Suriname, with works ranging from mixed media and batik to ceramics, jewelery, watercolor, and photography.

The exhibition coincided with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, which devastated St. Maarten in September 2017. Several participating artists dedicated the proceeds of one work to the victims of the disaster.

 

Participating artists

Sri Irodikromo

Discipline: Mixed media, batik, painting

Sri Irodikromo is inspired by the rich multicultural society of Suriname. In her work she incorporates cultural symbols and mythical creatures from diverse cultures — Maroon communities, Javanese heritage, and Amerindian traditions. She is known for large multimedia batik pieces in which painting, stenciling, embroidery, and batik techniques are combined. A familiar theme is women in traditional clothing from different cultures.

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Dani Djojoatmo

Discipline: Watercolour, batik aquarelle

Dani Djojoatmo studied at the Academy for Higher Art and Culture in Suriname, where he was the best student in watercolor. His work became increasingly photorealistic. For this exhibition he chose a series of batik aquarelles.

Ardie Setropawiro

Discipline: Mixed media, painting

Ardie Setropawiro is regularly inspired by his own dreams and fantasies. His statement: ‘Fire, air, earth and water are important elements for the development of life on earth. By working with these 4 elements we can consolidate our personal connection with the earth, nature and our living environment.’ His work is expressive, inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface.

Donovan Mariman

Discipline: Photography, painting

Donovan Mariman studied under Soeki Irodikromo at the Volksacademie in Suriname. Photography is his first love, but his paintings are equally remarkable. Un Du marked his first time exhibiting his paintings.

Ken Pardi

Discipline: Photography

Ken Pardi is also a student of Sri Irodikromo at the Volksacademie in Suriname and is a celebrated photographer. Un Du was his first participation in a group exhibition. The proceeds of one of his works were donated to the victims of the natural disaster in St. Maarten.

Leo Wong Loi Sing

Discipline: Painting, ceramics

Leo Wong Loi Sing paints in an abstract style. His statement: ‘I paint to recognize myself, so that I can better understand others.’ For the pilgrimage site Batavia in Suriname he created the 14 Stations of the Cross. Next to the Cathedral in Paramaribo stands a ceramic work of his.

Yve De Pé

Discipline: Jewelery

Yve De Pé creates unique jewelery using the technique of wire binding, combined with natural stones. She belongs to the group of Javanese artists exhibiting during Un Du. Her work was also presented at De Goudsmid.

Kim Sontosoemarto

Discipline: Ceramics, raku

Kim Sontosoemarto is well known on Curaçao. She has specialized in alternative firing techniques — through raku firing her work gains an extra dimension. Her ‘Samaaka muje’ is an ode to the Creole woman who proudly carries her cultural identity. Gallery Alma Blou is proud to exhibit her work.