Ninth Aruba Art Fair explores 'Nature x Mankind' in San Nicolas
Trinidad-born Indra Zievinger and Aruban Armando Goedgedrag were among artists at the September 11 to 13 fair, founded to bring new energy to the town.
SAN NICOLAS, Aruba. The ninth annual Aruba Art Fair was held from September 11 to 13 in San Nicolas under the theme "Nature x Mankind".
The theme explores the harmony, tension and interdependence between humans and the impact of their choices on the planet. Through murals, installations, visual art, fashion and performance, artists were invited to reflect on coexistence, sustainability, responsibility and a shared future.
One organiser, who asked not to be named, described the planning as "a collaborative process that brings together artists, curators, cultural organizations, community partners, and supporters who all share an interest in strengthening Aruba's creative community".
Inspired by Bogotá
The fair began with the belief that art could bring new energy to San Nicolas. Organiser Tito Bolivar was inspired after seeing how street art connected people and transformed public spaces in Bogotá, Colombia.
"San Nicolas became the natural home for that vision, and the fair grew into a way to bring local and international artists together while leaving lasting public art for the community to experience year-round," Bolivar said.
"Nine years later, keeping the fair going is about more than hosting an annual event. It is about giving artists opportunities to be seen, strengthening the cultural life of San Nicolas," he added.
Two artists
Among the participants were Indra Zievinger, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and owns Indrart Studio Aruba, and Aruba native Armando Goedgedrag, a visual artist, photographer, painter and multimedia specialist.
Zievinger, taking part for the third year, draws inspiration from her mother, a seamstress who painted on fabric, as well as her primary school teacher and her community. "I feel honoured and grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside so many talented, hardworking, and fun individuals," she said.
Goedgedrag's work is mostly inspired by the raw nature of the island. This summer he visited Upstate New York for the first time, taking part in the Hudson Valley Caribbean Festival.
"Everywhere you look, it's wonderful and vibrant. Each artist brings a unique touch of the Caribbean with them at the event," he said.
Zievinger said she wants to inspire future generations to adopt an "I can do it" attitude. "Don't ever give up on your dreams," she said. Goedgedrag urged young artists not to forget what they have in the Caribbean and to use it in their work.
