Ellen Spijkstra photos
The Blue Bay Sculpture Garden has a special first – for the first time, a sculpture by internationally renowned artist Tirzo Martha (1965, Willemstad) is on display in a public space in Curaçao.
Martha, who won the prestigious Wilhelmina-ringprijs – the Dutch lifetime achievement award for sculpture – in 2019, has made a name for himself worldwide with his powerful sculptures, performances, and installations. His work has previously been exhibited in the Netherlands (Europe), Curaçao, the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean, but had not yet been permanently displayed in public spaces in his home country. The board of the Stichting Beeldentuin Blue Bay Curaçao (Blue Bay Curaçao Sculpture Garden Foundation) is therefore extremely proud to be able to welcome this sculpture.
Imagination as power
“Art – or rather, imagination – to me, is a tool to connect people, to empower them, to support them, and to set something in motion,” says Martha.
His work often stems from social observations and personal experiences. This is also true of this sculpture (untitled), which is part of the series Chronisch Monochroom (Chronic Monochrome, 2021–2022).
It was created during a period when Martha was recovering from a virus that had affected his heart, causing him to spend a long time in hospitals, both in Curaçao and Colombia. The white, sterile hospital rooms and the unfinished buildings on Curaçao inspired a series of mostly white sculptures that reflect on the fragility of our existence, dreams, recovery, and the value of time. The Blue Bay sculpture was previously on display at the Curaçaos Museum (2023) and in the Intensive Care exhibition at the Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo (2024).
From everyday materials to social statement
As is often the case in his work, Martha uses everyday materials from construction or from the street here, which take on a different meaning in a new context. This way, the sculpture carries a societal weight and responsibility.
A striking detail is the graffiti on the prominent plate: “No ta Huur ni Bende!” (“Not for rent or sale”) – a powerful call to reflection.
A tip for in-person visitors: Come and see the sculpture in the evening, when the lighting gives the work an extra layer of imagination.
Connected to young talent
In addition to his own artistry, Martha is invested in the next generation. In 2006, he and David Bade founded Instituto Buena Bista (IBB) – a centre for contemporary art and art education in Curaçao. Young people (ages 14-25) can follow an intensive preparatory program in Curaçao, gearing them for art education, at home or abroad.
The collaboration between Blue Bay and IBB also has a literal place: the Sculpture Garden features two interchangeable spots, where new work by talented IBB students is displayed each year.
This first sculpture by Tirzo Martha in public space in Curaçao not only celebrates an artistic milestone, but also connects the past, present, and future. It is an invitation to everyone to experience the power of imagination for themselves.
The Blue Bay Sculpture Garden in Curaçao is free to visit, upon presentation of an ID card at the Blue Bay Resort Curaçao. For more information, visit www.Sculpuregardenbluebay.com and www.tirzomartha.com
