WILLEMSTAD – Instituto Buena Bista (IBB) will host an artist talk and exhibition on Thursday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m., bringing together artists and students to explore themes of social change, identity, and ecology in Curaçao.
The event, which is open to the public, will take place at IBB’s location and feature presentations by artists-in-residence Emmie Liebregts and Fenna Koot, alongside new works created by students as part of the project “Bye bye, hello, hot Kòrsou.”
During their residency on the island, Liebregts and Koot collected materials, stories, and impressions from their surroundings, using a method they describe as “collecting” or “foraging.” This approach blends physical objects with social experiences, including encounters at the Capriles Clinic, to explore the connection between the mental and physical experience of life on the island.
Their work has been translated into sculptures and installations made from found objects and fragments. These come together in a presentation titled “Allemanszaken,” a layered, collage-like installation combining materials, sound, and text. The title refers to issues that affect society as a whole, including ownership, responsibility, and the use of public space.
At the same time, students will present works developed under the “Bye bye, hello, hot Kòrsou” project, which focuses on the impact of climate change and human activity on the island. The project highlights themes such as water scarcity, rising temperatures, and broader ecological shifts.
The student works address a wide range of topics, including the tension between cultural preservation and the role of youth, the effects of tourism and commercial fishing, and the relationship between humans and nature. The pieces also reflect feelings of responsibility and helplessness in response to visible environmental changes.
According to IBB, the combined contributions offer a multi-layered perspective on contemporary Curaçao and its possible futures. The evening will include an artist talk, presentations, and a closing exhibition, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage with both the creative process and the themes shaping the island today.