Thanks to the colourful invitation Marcel sent me, I travelled to The Hague on May 10 for the opening of the Open Pavilion. An initiative of West Den Haag, I learned, set up to create a platform for cultural exchange, critical reflection and artistic expression.
It was wonderful to see how many people came for the unveiling of Afaka Kondee, the stage designed by none other than Marcel Pinas. The floor, painted with dancing letters of the Afaka script in mosaic with traditional Tembe motifs, forms a colourful, stimulating inspiration in the stately surroundings of the Lange Voorhout.
André Mosis on the Open Stage with his son-in-law on the Apinti drum.
With the focus on Suriname – inextricably linked to the present and past of the Netherlands – the artist's saying comes to life: "Our past is the future of tomorrow."
Our past is the future of tomorrow
With Kathleen Ferrier delivering a powerful and passionate opening speech, demonstrating her heart for art and Suriname, André Mosis demonstrating communication with the Apinti drum, and a dialogue led by Fresco Sam-Sin, the purpose of the Open Pavilion also came to life.
Kathleen Ferrier chairwoman of the Johan Ferrier Fund
From Fresco, who spoke about his strong Surinamese grandmother who still sells koto-misie dolls, to Jessy Rahman, who described how Erwin de Vries immediately recognised Suriname in his art and asked over his shoulder: “Suma na mang Jessy Rahman?”, the stage became a colourful exchange of art, dialogue and culture.
Marcel Pinas designer of the stage Afaka Kondee
It was fascinating to learn how the Apinti drum – an instrument that is not only musically, but also historically of great significance – was used as a means of communication during the war against the Maroons. While Dutch soldiers thought they could attack because they heard the drums, the Apintis were actually speaking:
“Let us surround them.”
A special moment was when the artists Marcel and André discovered how they had inspired each other, without knowing it. André, who praised Marcel for opening up the international world to Surinamese artists, was surprised by Marcel's revelation: his own inspiration was partly based on the knowledge André had documented at the Nola Hatterman Institute.
Kathleen Ferrier, André Mosis, Marcel Pinas, Jessy Rahman and Fresco Sam-Sin
André recounted that, encouraged by the late Stan Lokhin – another big name in the artistic world – he began to delve into Kawina, the music of the Maroons, about which little research had been done at the time.
Susi Mosis, daughter of Andre Mosis, whom I still knew from New York. Her book on the Apinti drum will be released this August.
For me, West Den Haag, with this inspiring cultural exchange, surrounded by artistic, colourful installations and artists who reflected beautifully but also critically on the present and the future, has achieved its goal.
Mrs. Pengel, the mother of Guus Pengel. This lady, 90 years young, is my inspiration, I often meet her at cultural events. Who wouldn't want to live that long?
It was a beautiful, almost summer day at the Open Pavilion in the outdoor area, right on the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Besides bread from BRO and sparkling wine, there was also, in true Surinamese style, shaved ice.
If the opening program is any indication of what's to come, the pavilion will undoubtedly be a great success.
Dr. Mireille Liong is an e-commerce specialist, writer, and photographer committed to equal hair rights. Her books 50 HAIRSTYLES for your Natural Crown and Bad Hair Uprooted are available for order now. To stay informed, follow her on: Locs & Stuff WhatsApp Channel.