Page 14 - ARUBA TODAY

A14 LOCAL
Thursday 21 February 2019

Roslyn Schwengle: “I didn’t choose the art life, art life chose me”

The Perspective of an Aruban Art Student in The Netherlands

Continued from Page 14 pressed deep concerns for closing what is being discussed by schol- potential sectors within the CCI are
the AFADA. The motivation behind ars and professionals; education linked with education, so there is
Her biggest challenge was achiev- the shutdown was related to fund- (especially cultural education) enough space for cultural devel-
ing her propaedeutic degree, ing. The current government felt starts at home, but should be re- opment, especially focusing on
which clearly she has overcome that AFADA was costing too much inforced at school. She continued the young generation that is grow-
with great recognition. money for the number of students mentioning her disappointment ing up. Her personal fear is that the
it had, so the natural progression that the only “cultural education” Aruban culture, she learned from
What is it like studying art in The was to shut it down. The question I she received was related to the her childhood will disappear, while
Netherlands? raise is not related to AFADA shut- Aruban National Flag and Anthem expressing; “our culture is not be-
Living far away from home is an ting down, but wondering why the Celebration Day (March 18th) and ing practiced enough. The gener-
experience many Aruban stu- government has not made an at- “Dia di Betico” (January 25th). As ations stopped passing our cultural
dents face once finishing their tempt to create an alternative she grew older less attention was traditions. Parents can’t teach
high school degree on the island. option. For example, introduce a put to the topic “Cultura di Aruba” their children something they don’t
Like many other students, Roslyn know. And if it doesn’t get passed
took the opportunity to extend down to their kids and practice, it
her horizon to Europe in hopes to will eventually die out”.
achieve her dream of becoming
the artist she knew to be inside. We Creative and Cultural education
asked Roslyn how it is like studying has been a concern on Aruba,
art in the Netherlands. All experi- however, a lack of vision and plan-
ences have their good and less ning is now hindering the process
attractive aspects. Roslyn shared of successfully implementing proj-
that “you always get to learn new ects at all levels of education. For
things, you can meet great people Roslyn, education is key and is es-
trough art, your study is so open sential for developing a CCI on the
you’re the boss and nothing is a island. “Schools also play an impor-
mistake”. However, many students tant part in a children’s upbringing.
leave without a good perception If we cannot depend on parents
of what student life is like in The to teach our children and future
Netherlands. So, many skills and re- generation about culture, let this
sponsibilities are left to be learned be an opportunity for our schools
and developed throughout the (of all ages) to influence our young
journey. But, for Roslyn as an art generation about the Aruban Cul-
student the pressure is bigger to ture”. Roslyn’s perspective on edu-
perform well and to always have cation stems from her opinion that
the best representation of her art. it is never too late to start educat-
She expressed that “some people ing. She refuses to accept that Aru-
will never be accepting or under- bans are not interested in art. “Hu-
stand your work because for them mans like to learn and if you enrich
it does not make sense. But do not their interest from young they will
let this discourage you for you are Fine Arts and Design Faculty at EPI. other than those “known” days. forever have the interest growing
still learning. Keep making what Nonetheless, Roslyn hopes to see Creative skills can be developed up”. In the end, she said; “in a nut-
you are making and someone will further developments on the island by involving kids in activities such as shell, use our schools of all ages to
recognize your work. In Fine Arts to offer our students the opportu- playing instruments, dance, sports, become a new practice field for
because you are your own boss, nity to study arts. anything that can enable them to every school year and base for our
you often have no sense of direc- explore and develop their talents. cultural education. A person does
tion because you don’t know what Do you feel that you developed Culture is more than celebrating a not know something is important
to do with all the freedom and this your creative skills and cultural national holiday, it is the identity of if he does not understand”. Ros-
can be stressful and create road- knowledge growing up? a country’s people, it is the heart of lyn truly believes that if she did not
blocks”. Interestingly enough, the ques- the society. grow up with a close contact to
Now that she lives in the Nether- tion is how prepared was Roslyn to Aruba’s culture (in this case Berna-
lands, she definitely sees the vast cross over to Europe? In past col- Developing a Cultural and Cre- dina Growell) she would not be so
differences when it comes to cul- umns, we learned how important ative Industry on Aruba inclined to art as she is today.
tural education and appreciation creative skills are becoming in the Like many artists, Roslyn is very
for all art forms. In creative aspect, 21st century for future job develop- optimistic of Aruba developing What tips can you give Aruban stu-
“art is something valued here in the ment not only on Aruba, but inter- a Cultural and Creative Industry. dents who want to study the arts?
Netherlands because you can see nationally as well. Roslyn told me She finds it a positive development Roslyn voiced to not be afraid or
it everywhere. Aruba together with that she had a unique and special opportunity for the island she loves make excuses for yourself. Being
AFADA (Rietveld Academy) has experience, by which she said; “I so much, however, she hopes this an artist for many is a calling, and
taken that step and it has helped had the opportunity to grow up will especially reach schools and a calling worth pursuing. “If art is
me and a few others in our creative with Bernadina Growell, Mama di that historic people in this field that something you want to do. Send a
preparation and development. cultura and was even in one of her made a difference on our island portfolio of your artwork to an art
Sadly, it has come to my attention movies that she herself directed. could get that recognition for their school and try it. If at the end it’s
that it was closed and in my eyes My mother was active with her ac- work and contribution to the artistic not for you, you can always come
this was a step back for Aruba. tivities so I personally have a very scene on Aruba. She hopes for a back home”. Reaching out to fol-
AFADA was a new opportunity for close contact with the love for cul- cultural and creative industry that low your dreams calls for tremen-
the jobless and young artists, drop ture even if I didn’t understand it will not only be taught, but prac- dous courage, but it starts with only
outs, or it was a perfect opportunity as well as now. I didn’t have much ticed, because let’s note; “Aruba’s one decision.
for people that just wanted to give knowledge from school like I had culture is fading away” in her opin-
art a try”. In the past, I have ex- at home”. Roslyn confirms so much ion as an Aruban artist. Numerous Continued on Page 15