Photo credits: Fariel Soeleiman
Especially for the Our Heritage project, David Paulus has designed a fantastic artwork: Caribbean Blossom, which celebrates the rich history and culture of the Caribbean. In this work of art, it is easy to see how textiles, crafts and local culture come together and in this way can communicate a beautiful message. With a distinctive floral pattern, supplemented by carefully handmade flowers, it reflects the vibrant flora of several Caribbean islands, including Sint Maarten, Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Tobago, Suriname, Anguilla, British Guyana and French Guyana, as well as Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
Each flower in this artwork is made with precision, using traditional textile techniques that emphasise the strong connection with the local culture and heritage. They document the stories of the ancestors. Each flower represents a link in the family line, and in the artwork, these flowers form an impressive female portrait that reflects the diversity and strength of the Caribbean community. The work of art symbolises the connection between Mother Nature and our ancestors, the ancestors, and reminds us that we, as descendants of the Caribbean, continue their heritage and bond with the (egg) country. It is a tribute to the power and beauty of nature, and to the stories that our ancestors carry with them.
Participant contribution
Through an art workshop, the artist collected textiles from participants in the Our Heritage project, each with a personal meaning. These fabrics can be seen as earth at the bottom of the artwork. During this workshop David continued to work on Caribbean Blossom, using his own ancestors as a source of inspiration. This event not only provided an opportunity to follow his artistic process but also resulted in community-building among the participants. In this way, the history of the Caribbean region is caught in dust.
About David Paulus
The creative spirit behind this artwork is David Paulus, a self-educated and self-sufficient designer, born and raised on Curaçao. David distinguishes himself from his contemporaries by his unique vision and his approach to fashion as a form of art. He creates what he calls "Art Couture," a style that opposes the conventional world of fashion. For David, fashion is more than just clothing; it is a theatrical experience that tells stories and evokes emotions.
This work of art for Our Heritage is not only a visual spectacle, but also a powerful reminder of the connection between culture and nature. It invites us to reflect on our roots and honour the stories of our ancestors. David Paulus has created a bridge between past and present, young, and old. This joint portrait symbolises the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that characterise the Caribbean culture and offers participants a tangible tribute to the women who preceded them.
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