WILLEMSTAD – On January 11, a unique artwork by artists Avantia Damberg and Maura Biava will be unveiled at Sint Joris Bay. The piece, which took two and a half years to complete, is deeply connected to nature and science.
The sculpture will be installed at Pos Salu, a popular spot known for its picnic tables by the waterfront, near the Curaçao Ostrich Farm. This location also saw the unveiling of other artworks in November. Curaçaoan artist Avantia Damberg collaborated with Dutch-Italian artist Maura Biava, who was previously affiliated with the Curaçao art collective Instituto Buena Bista (IBB).
Inspired by Nature
The artwork is inspired by Braarudosphaeraceae, a group of single-celled algae found in the ocean. These microorganisms have a distinctive geometric shape: a dodecahedron made up of 12 pentagonal faces. This pentagonal form frequently appears in nature, in elements such as flowers, cacti, and shells. The sculpture highlights the interconnectedness of nature and life.
The piece is mounted on a pentagonal pedestal and crafted from metal. The dodecahedron symbolizes the role of phytoplankton, which produces oxygen in the water. Metal tubes extend upward from the sculpture, representing water and air bubbles. The aluminum bubbles move with the wind, creating a dynamic and ever-changing visual effect.
Art with a Message
The sculpture is part of a project by Uniek Curaçao Foundation and the Art in Public Space Foundation (SKOR). The initiative aims to raise awareness about nature conservation and the issue of illegal waste dumping. This piece is the fifth installation in the Pos Salu Open Air Sculpture Park, which merges art and nature to promote environmental consciousness.
Collaboration and Support
The realization of the artwork was made possible through financial contributions from the Mondriaan Fund and the Cultural Fund Caribbean Region. The project was organized and executed by SKOR Kòrsou and the Uniek Curaçao Foundation.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 11, at 4 PM at Pos Salu near Sint Joris Bay. The event is open to all.