Ruben La Cruz

Through the media, a load of information about the surrounding world comes to me every day. I try to convert the load into art, such as a tree that converts CO2 into oxygen. In addition, I have been working regularly on a project basis with Karolien Helweg since 1999. Usually on our own initiative we develop socially engaged art projects that combine art, well-being and education, in the Netherlands, on Curaçao and in Suriname. Through workshops and / or series of lessons and with associated exhibitions, art projects in the public space and video installations, we involve people. This has the added (desired) effect that interventions take place in unexpected places that bring new audiences into contact with art. The projects are usually monumental and temporary in nature and are determined in terms of form and content by the atmosphere, the history or the current use of the location where the 'intervention' takes place. The installations and art projects are a reflection of a processing process. Both the recycled materials that are used as the concepts and often the artworks themselves are always reused in a different time and context. The artworks / projects have a certain social impact. Often a social issue is questioned and a process of awareness is set in motion, both among the participants and the final audience. Photography and research. In 2004 I started an investigation into 'The Architecture of Poverty in the Kingdom' which led to the publication 'The Forgotten Monuments of Curaçao' in 2014, a monument to the tin house and presentation of the work, 'Blik op Curaçao' 'titled, in the Curacaosch Museum in 2015. In 2017 te project extended to Aruba.