This art project is part of a longer trajectory in which 6 young creatives (musicians, designers, etc.) are guided and supported in their professionalisation.
These young makers all start from their local tradition in creating their music or designs. Unfortunately, they are not appreciated much by the society of Paramaribo.
That is why there was a request for a mobile artwork that travels through the city of Paramaribo and brings the creatives into contact with the local residents.
After several meetings with the creatives, we decided to make an artwork in the shape of a tree. In Suriname, the tree functions as a place where villagers come together. Just like the work of the creatives, the installation was made by using traditional techniques and materials in new ways.
The second part of this art project is a life aspect. Whenever the installation is placed in the public space, the creatives will be present to present themselves and open up to the public.
The idea of this installation is that the residents of the city become curious about the installation which forms an invitation to a conversation. In that conversation, the creatives can make clear that the work they do is part of their shared cultural heritage and is not something high-class and unreachable for the local population.
In collaboration with artists Ken Doorson
Commissioned by Avansa Citizenne in collaboration with Urban House Suriname.