Riding the Blue Wave

June 12, 2026 by curacao-art News 0 comments

In Curaçao, Landhuis Bloemhof is hosting the exhibition

Riding the Blue Wave

A group exhibition featuring 34 artists.

Opening: Friday, June 12, 2026.
Time: from 7 to 9 PM
Location: Landhuis Bloemhof.

Introduction by: Michèle Russel-Capriles.
The exhibition will run through July 31.

The exhibition emerges from a historic moment for Curaçao. Following the qualification of Curaçao’s national football team for the FIFA World Cup, the island has found itself at the center of unprecedented international attention. Before a single ball has been kicked at the World Cup, Curaçao has already captured international attention as the smallest populated country ever to qualify for the World Cup, surpassing Iceland’s 2018 Guiness Book of world records.

Immense Pride
For a small island suddenly visible to millions around the world, this achievement is a source of immense pride. Yet it also raises questions. What does this moment mean for us as a people? What impact will this have on our island, our identity, and our future? Is this the result of hard work, determination, luck, destiny, or a dream realized? Where will this journey take us? What do we expect from it? Are we ready for it?

What we do know is that the Blue Wave has begun a journey around the world, and we are all riding it.

Diaspora
In April, we sent out an open call to all artists on the island and the diaspora to participate in this wave. Rather than focusing on football itself, Riding the Blue Wave invites artists to reflect on the emotions, expectations, hopes, concerns, and possibilities carried out within this moment. Working across a wide range of disciplines and approaches, participating artists were encouraged to respond to the phenomenon through a dominant visual language of blue.

Participants
Ailsa Anastatia, Alejandra Cijntje, Alexine Tjon, Annemieke Dicke, Ans Mezas, Bethyamin Van Nieuwenhuizen, David Dania, EVO, Esther Reyerse, FrankArt, Giovani Zanolino, Giovanni Abath, Gwen Anderson, Herman van Bergen, Hilma Koelman, Kiyomi Otto, Lara Bonomo, Marcel van Duijneveldt, Margarita Haakmat, Marja Tukker, Marlies Schoenmakers, Monique Harbers, Nadetta Pablo, Nataly Burgzorg, Omar Martha, Philippe Zanolino, Quirine Guato, Richenel Ansano, Rien te Hennepe, Rochelle Monte, Ruthson Cecilia, Saskia Monhemius, Suzet Rosaria, and Thailis Matos Inecia.

More than sporting achievement
In this exhibition, the Blue Wave becomes more than a sporting achievement. It becomes a lens through which these artists examine, celebrate, predict, question, warn, welcome, or even reject the possible consequences of this newfound visibility. Through painting, sculpture, installation, conceptual work, mixed media, and experimental practices, the exhibition offers a collective portrait of a society reflecting on itself while the world watches.

Riding the Blue Wave creates space for nuanced reflection, acknowledging that national pride, cultural identity, and personal emotions are layered and rarely simple. The exhibition embraces the complexity of this moment, inviting visitors to consider both the opportunities and uncertainties that accompany global recognition.

Additional events 
As part of the exhibition, Landhuis Bloemhof is planning to host a series of public events that further explore the themes of Riding the Blue Wave. On June 26, visitors are invited to join a rendezvous reflecting on the social and cultural impact of this historic wave. On July 16, join our soirée featuring spoken word and live music. Throughout the exhibition period, participating artists will be present in the gallery regularly, offering visitors the opportunity to meet them and engage in conversation about their work.

The exhibition will run through July 31, 2026.