“Hakka Opera in Suriname” is a new exhibition organized by curators Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi and Rinaldo Klas in the framework of the 170th commemoration of Chinese Immigration to Suriname. The exhibition will be on display from October 6 to 28, at Readytex Art Gallery (open on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00am to 4:30pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:30pm).

Readytex Art Gallery will be open on Museum Night—the evening of October 14, from 6:30 to 9:30pm—with the theme ‘Hoe wij hier ook samenkwamen’ [Regardless of how we came together here]. Guests will then be able to visit the gallery to enjoy the artwork and special activities related to the commemoration of Chinese Immigration.

Description: Please visit Readytex Art Gallery for a special new group exhibition in light of this year’s 170th commemoration of Chinese Immigration to Suriname. For the exhibition Hakka Opera in Suriname, curators Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi and Rinaldo Klas took their inspiration from the way in which the Hakka people who have migrated all over the world have been able to adapt, and also from the engaging storylines in their lively and colorful operas.

“The Hakka Opera is a story. As curator I see myself as a storyteller who creates the story of an opera by putting together this exhibition. The exhibition as a whole is the opera and the artists are the actors,” explains visual artist and curator Kit-Ling Tjon Pian Gi who chose the title of the exhibition. Co-curator artist Rinaldo Klas has had the privilege of actually witnessing several traditional opera performances in China and remembers well how they drew him in. “Even though I don’t speak the language, I could grasp the story of the opera through the movements, costumes and expressive mimicry of the artists.”

The Hakka Opera is something that still lives and is considered important in Hakka culture. And just like the Hakka people who have historically migrated within China and to many other countries all over the world, where they subsequently adapted to their new locations and environments with an ease that seems to come naturally, the Hakka Opera has adapted as well and can thus be quite different depending on where you are. As such, the story told within the exhibition Hakka Opera in Suriname, presents its own unique dialogue that is reflective of Suriname, a country in which so many different cultures, including the Hakka, have adapted to become part of one fascinating interwoven tapestry that is visible in daily life as well as in art. In addition to the chosen artworks from the various artists affiliated with Readytex Art Gallery and special art installations by Sri Irodikromo and Kurt Nahar, the exhibition also includes work by guest artist Els Tjong Joe Wai.

For more information (in English), see https://readytexartgallery.com/readytex_event/exhibition-hakka-opera-in-suriname/ and (in Dutch): https://www.sun.sr/Details_Meta/26819_-‘Hakka-Opera-in-Suriname’-in-Readytex-Art-Gallery_0301323hakka.jpg and https://abcsuriname.com/groepsexpo-hakka-opera-in-suriname/