Basic information

Name: Salustiano Martha,1950
Place of birth: Seru Fortuna, Curaçao
Based in: Curaçao, The Netherlands
Discipline: Ceramics and sculpture

EDUCATION

1970s — Ceramics training with Len Gillen, workshops in Suffisant, Curaçao
1977–1978 — Glazing studies, the Netherlands

BIOGRAPHY

Salustiano Martha is a Curaçaoan ceramic artist and sculptor. He began working with clay in 1975 and trained as a ceramist under Len Gillen at the workshops in Suffisant. In 1977, he spent a year in the Netherlands learning glazing techniques. After returning to Curaçao, he developed a distinctive visual language through free-form clay works. He settled in the Netherlands in 1986, where he continued to develop his artistic practice, before returning to Curaçao in 2021 with a large part of his oeuvre.
Inspired by nature, community, multicultural society, and his Afro-Indian background, Martha creates expressive works ranging from small figurines to life-size and monumental assembled clay sculptures. Humans, animals, and the colorful bonds between people recur throughout his work, expressing warmth, love, and freedom. Since returning to Curaçao, he has regularly opened his sculpture garden in Seru Fortuna, where many of his monumental ceramic sculptures are displayed. His continuing search for local clay connects his practice to the place where he was born.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2022 — Sculpture garden exhibition, Seru Fortuna, Curaçao; organized by Gallery Alma Blou
2023 — Exhibition at Museo Tula, Landhuis Knip, Curaçao
Ongoing display — Sculpture Garden, Blue Bay Resort, Curaçao

SELECTED PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

Museo Tula, Landhuis Knip, Curaçao