Ria Houwen – Farewell Curaçao.
Gallery Alma Blou in Landhuis Habaai is presenting an exhibition with artworks by Ria Houwen. It’s the gallery’s first solo show of 2022 and at the same time it’s a farewell to a beloved artist:
Goodbye Ria Houwen – Farewell Curaçao
Ria Houwen immigrated in Curacao in 1973. She is one of the important artists on the island. Not only because she has been teaching fine art to so many students in our community, but also because of her own beautiful oeuvre.
After living in Curacao for 50 years, she has finally made the tough decision to reunite with her son and family, all living in the Netherlands.
Before she leaves Gallery Alma Blou is giving us the opportunity of one last show, presenting an extensive collection of artworks that Ria created during the years in Curaçao, inspired by our nature, our people, and the sea.
The exhibition opened on Sunday, February 6, 2022.
Ria Houwen graduated in 1972 from the Art Academy in Tilburg. After her studies, she came to Curaçao, where she worked as a teacher at the Radulphus College, but also passed on her knowledge to adult students through private painting courses. For 50 years she contributed to the art on our island, with courage, talent, and expertise. She has done many solo exhibitions and on numerous occasions represented Curaçao abroad.
Lusette Verboom, the owner of Gallery Alma Blou, explains how Ria loves Curaçao because of the capriciousness of the island, the sea that crashes against ancient rocks, and trees that wind their way over the ground, the sometimes seeming cheerfulness of the island residents, and the always present sun. She is fascinated by everything that lives: man and nature, in all their forms. It is all reflected in her work.
This farewell exhibition is probably the last opportunity to buy work by Ria, that she made during the years that she has lived on the island. Landscapes, sketches of female and male bodies, her more intimate paintings of women, but also delicate children’s topics. And of course many paintings on the themes that always fascinated her: the sea and water.
With her talent, drive, and high level of expertise she always has been a valuable member of the local art community. Although her decision to repatriate is understandable, she will be dearly missed. Curaçao Art wishes her every success with the move and her new (ad)ventures.
The exhibition remains till February 19, 2022.
This text may only be reproduced with reference to the source: Curaçao Art®️, www.curacao-art.com. Copyright of the artworks remains the property of the artist.
Click this link for the interview ‘Ria Houwen: “I am filled with gratitude”.
Click on this link for more information on visual artist Ria Houwen.
Click here for Gallery Alma Blou’s page on Ria Houwen.
