On Sunday, January 26, and Monday, January 27, the National Platform on Heritage of Slavery in Aruba (PNHSA) invites all residents of St. Maarten, heritage professionals, (former) migrants and art lovers to participate in the special project “Heritage Through Art & Dialogue II – Caribbean Heroes and Migration.” This is a two-day exhibition and dialogue about Caribbean emancipation, migration and heritage, with an emphasis on the close ties between Aruba and St. Maarten/St. Martin.
There will be an exhibition at Axum Art Gallery in Philipsburg on both January 26 & 27, and then on the 27th only, there will be an information and discussion evening at https://www.usm.sx/University of St. Martin (USM).
The exhibition takes place from 6:30 to 9:00pm and will showcase works of art by Aruban artist Sharina Gumbs. She brings nine historical figures from the slavery past of Sint Maarten and the Caribbean islands to life through powerful, abstract portraits. Two actors, Luciana Raspail and Audrey “Saby” Claxton, will perform monologues written by Stephie Gumbs (Nansi’s Office), bringing some of the historical heroes to life.
The information and discussion evening at USM takes place in room 202, from 6:30 to 9:00pm. Our shared history will be discussed with experts, artists and the public. How do slavery, migration and local traditions still influence our Caribbean identity? How have families from St. Martin enriched Aruban culture?
For everyone, who cannot come physically, PNHSA will offer a Facebook live broadcast on both days (on the page of “PNHSA Aruba”). This way, the entire Caribbean community and diaspora can participate and discuss online.
This project is a collaboration between PNHSA, Soul Harmony Foundation, We Culture, Historical Society of Saint Martin (HSSM), Nansi’s Office, The St. Martin Digitization & Heritage Platform, University of Saint Martin and Axum Art Cafe. This unique opportunity to bring together art, heritage and migration stories is made possible through financial support from Dutch Culture (Nederland).
Don't miss it! Come to the exhibition and the discussion evening, be inspired by the abstract portraits and experience how our shared slavery history and the migration history from St. Maarten to Aruba contribute to our pride and solidarity. We hope to welcome you, physically or online, for two days full of art, insights and dialogue.
For more information, email or call PNHSA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 00297 7457320, or call Axum Art Cafe at +590 690 28-7626. Follow PNHSA, HSSM, and Axum Art Gallery on Facebook and Instagram, the broadcast link will be shared on these channels.
