Double-feature: Roddney Tjon Poen Gie and George Struikelblok
In a fascinating double-feature starting on November 18th, the Readytex Art Gallery presents the latest works of art by artists Roddney Tjon Poen Gie and George Struikelblok. In this feature Roddney Tjon Poen Gie shows a selection of artworks created during his recent artist in residence experience (within the framework of the Artropa exchange project) at the Dutch art institute Duende in Rotterdam. Tjon Poen Gie who is best known in Suriname for his colorfully painted three dimensional art pieces made out of driftwood and other natural materials, presents for the first time ever a collection which consists primarily of paintings. Although Tjon Poen Gie has always done a significant amount of painting and has always incorporated strong defining lines as well as characters and symbols from the cultures of his ancestors, the new paintings bear witness of new depth and dimension. Inspired by his new surroundings during his residency, the artist paints recognizable elements from Rotterdam architecture on the backgrounds of his canvas. With their modern lines and contemporary design they form the perfect backdrop for the natural irregularity of his familiar art trouvé sculptures which he paints to dominate the foreground. These architecturally inspired pieces as well the other paintings in the collection show a new and refreshing freedom and artistic impulsiveness in composition as well as in style. Tjon Poen Gie did also create some three dimensional pieces from locally found materials, but because these were hard to get by the artist concentrated primarily on adding new depth and interest to his paintings on canvas. A surprising collection of traditional mixed with contemporary in striking colors and strong compositions, is the result. The double-feature in Readytex Art Gallery also presents new works of art from the hand of well known Surinamese artist George Struikelblok. For many years now the modern and colorful paintings by Struikelblok command the attention of art lovers in Suriname, the Netherlands and several other European countries. When his art career started to take off, the abstract portrayal of the sensitive theme concerning the death of his father even before his own birth and his subsequent search for a line of communication between life and death, fascinated his public. But even years later as Struikelblok’s work is influenced not only by death but also by more positive elements such as love and a sense of family, the fascination remains. The emotional growth of the artist is easily identified through his art. Once again the work attests of an added playfulness. The shapes are less rigid and there is more movement in the compositions. For years now the colors have been bright, but the artist handles his paint with increased abandon and applies it in bold brush strokes and impulsive spatters. The recent fascination with mirrors and reflecting images, much incorporated in his three dimensional art installations, is also evident in his paintings. This can be seen in his characteristic family symbol which now includes a reflected mirror image. Just as it does for Tjon Poen Gie, three dimensional art plays an essential role in the career of George Struikelblok. The installation Memories of friends which George Struikelblok exhibited recently at the National Art Fair is presently displayed in the furniture department of FernandesKlip at the Klipstenenstraat in downtown Paramaribo. The double-feature in Readytex Art Gallery will be on display until the 28th of November.
For more information and visual materials please contact Readytex Art gallery at: phone number 421750/ E-mail [email protected].
Roddney Tjon Poen Gie