‘UMA STEN’ a group exhibition in which women speak

Readytex Art Gallery kindly welcomes you to yet another special group exhibition. UMA STEN is the second exhibition put together by artist Kurt Nahar, in his role as one of the curators-in residence within the ALAKONDRE: A Space in Time project. In it, he shows work by female artists, rather strikingly each with a background of migration, and thus puts the emphasis on the voice of women. The exhibition is his way of showing his support for the continued struggle of women for equal rights, opportunities and respect. Because as Nahar says: “The voice of women is becoming louder and more persistent.” UMA STEN opens in Readytex Art Gallery on Saturday, May 14. 

As curator of this exhibition, Kurt Nahar places the work of female artists from different generations, different cultural backgrounds, and different relationships with the Netherlands and Suriname, next to each other. He also shows work by tumpi flow, and thus incorporates the female strength within the masculine, in the whole. Within his selection, the subjects of identity, diversity and inclusivity, are once again clearly manifested. As his Local Master, Kurt chose Els Tjong Joe Wai, a Surinamese artist who after living and working in Europe for many years, moved back to Suriname in 2009 and continued her art career from here.  Among her artworks on display, are several of her well-known one-liners, most drawn on paper with ink or pen. Especially striking in her collection is the drawing that very appropriately became the leading image for the exhibition UMA STEN, and which is titled: She. A work in which Els Tjong Joe Wai reflects on the courage of individuals. Inspired by the Ukrainian stamp issued following the now world-famous action of a soldier who independently ‘shoots’ a Russian naval ship home in sign language, she gives shape to the resolute step a Surinamese woman recently took in response to a controversial issue at a bank to which she was affiliated.  

In the exhibition, Kurt Nahar furthermore shows work by two guest artists of a younger generation, Coco Duivenvoorde and Sarojini Lewis; Coco, a young Dutch woman married to a Surinamese man, and Sarojini, from the Netherlands as well, but of Surinamese-Hindostani descent. From the collection of Readytex Art Gallery, Nahar adds ceramic artworks by Hanka Wolterstorff and Leonnie van Eert; both ceramists of an earlier generation, both born in the Netherlands, and both settling in Suriname at a certain point. Finally, as honorary artist, he chose Nola Hatterman (1899-1984), a Dutch artist who settled in Suriname in 1953 as an art teacher, and who felt at home here, among the Surinamese, more than she had elsewhere.

UMA STEN is on display at Readytex Art Gallery from Saturday, May 14, until Saturday, June 4, 2022. You can visit the exhibition during the regular opening hours of the gallery, from Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.

We look forward to welcoming you!