Artist Statement
Looking back, I have always gravitated toward vibrant colors in my work. Subconsciously, I believe the influence of Cruz-Diez and his Couleur—present in the streets, squares, museums, and sculptures of my hometown and
throughout my country—has been a profound reference and inspiration in my artistic journey.
Many have asked why the Caribbean theme and its colors are so deeply embedded in my work. To answer that, I must revisit my past. One's first international journey is always unforgettable. Mine was to the beautiful island of Curaçao, where I was captivated by its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture bursting with color. I documented its fauna, art, and local traditions through photography, mesmerized by the island’s vibrant essence. From that moment, I have always felt “Bonbini”—welcome—whenever I return to the Dutch Caribbean.
Later, due to political circumstances and personal determination, I embarked on a migratory journey to Europe. Among the many memories from this experience, one stands out: my visit to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, home to the National Museum of Natural History. There, I was awestruck by an extensive collection of fossils from around the world—their colors, textures, and their role in our evolution as a species. That moment was not the beginning of my love for fossils, but rather, a reunion with something deeply rooted in me.
The island of Aruba holds a special place in my heart. It became my new home, where I built beautiful memories with my family and where Bocagrandiart was born. Creating art in the Caribbean was both a personal and creative challenge—I didn’t want to replicate the work of my fellow artisans. Instead, I found my niche in wildlife preservation, particularly in the delicate and endangered sea turtles.
Through my work, I learned about the fragility of marine life, constantly threatened by human actions and our dominant presence on this planet. My canvases were driftwood, reclaimed from the sea. Carving and restoring these pieces into paintings with a narrative deepened my connection to nature. I am an artist of textures, of vivid colors, and to represent nature using fragments of it was both an honor and a responsibility.
Today, I reside in Mexico City, where I have lived for the past five years, surrounded by a vibrant culture, sounds, colors, and an ancestral legacy that continues to guide me. A new chapter in my artistic journey has begun—where it will lead me remains to be seen.
Jennika