At IMAGEN, 3D colorful photographic tableaux of Aruba are compressed into linear historically correct timelines. That is what digital artist Fernando Vermeer presents, as he manipulates photographs and turns them into rich tapestries of cultural references — 100 years of urban history, contained in just one frame.

The exhibition “Art – Imagination – Expression,” opened last weekend at Cas Di Cultura and will remain open to the public until April 14th.

Fernando is a digital magician, and I still have at home a picture of me, glamorized as Fernando first introduced photoshop, retouching and editing, the way we understand it today.

At the time it was like magic, how he erased the wrinkles from the corner of my eyes and stretched out my forehead to reflect youthful intelligence.

The digital retouching, and the ability to change visuals and edit reality is what shaped Fernando as a storytelling artist. He grew up between a crusader-activist mother, MARJORY, and a professional photographer-to-the-stars father, Rob. That gave him the keen eyes, and the powers of observation.

In his work he blends contemporary photography, historical imagery, and computer power, to create layered compositions that reflect culture, memory, and the evolution taking place under our noses.

As a young man a selection of Fernando’s drawings and paintings attracted the attention of Elvis Lopez and he mailed it, yes, by post, to the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam, one of the Netherlands’ most respected art institutions. Based on these works, Vermeer was accepted into the academy, in recognition of his budding talent.

He did not last. The academic institution was stifling for the rebel.

He later studied Digital Art and Photography at the School of Photography in New York, where he perfected his foundation in photographic editing, digital manipulation, and visual composition.

He was further inspired by Catherine Eisman, who penned the first Photoshop Training Book series, and that decided Fernando’s artistic path.

He was able to change reality with the deliberate movement of his rubber-tipped pen on a tablet.

At Checkpoint Color, his family business, Fernando had ample time to practice his craft. He remembers as a child hanging out in the shop and watching the magic unfold in the dark room, as his Rob developed his black & white films.

With access to the Checkpoint Color archive, Fernando digs up visual generational wealth which he uses in his work. He helps preserve historical images when they are presented in his contemporary artistic creations.

Fernando’s digital artworks focuses on layered and complex vintage photographs of Aruba from approximately 1900 to 1970, these historical photographs serve as the foundation on which he builds his own version of the narratives, blending past and present into colorful digital collages.

When you look at his work you take a trip down main street San Nicolas and main street Oranjestad, you recognize specific streets and business names, but they are all incorporated into a single timeline, even if they existed years apart.

Fernando reports that he has been working on the exhibition for about ten years, and it is his wish to preserve memories of events, stories, personalities, and cultural heritage, before everything is lost.

You may know some of Fernando’s work, including the design and making of the monument dedicated to the Lost Fishermen, honoring those who lost their lives at sea.

He has a large art piece at the airport, an evocative collage, but that he says must be refreshed since the airport art exhibit has not been updated in a decade, and nothing matches anymore!

Fernando also participated in a special exhibition dedicated to Queen Beatrix, celebrating the historical relationship between Aruba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Through his layered digital compositions, Fernando continues to explore the intersection of history, photography, and Aruba’s contemporary digital art landscape, and digital storytelling, establishing himself as a distinctive creative voice on the island.

Dia di Hymno y Bandera was transformed into a memorable three‑day celebration of culture, pride, and unity, at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino.

held on March 12, 16, and 17. 

Festivities took off with an exclusive Royal Aruba Aloe presentation, offering associates an in-depth look at one of Aruba’s most renowned brands. The session highlighted the brand’s storied heritage, its commitment to quality, and the artistry behind transforming world-class, locally grown aloe into innovative products. 

Creativity took center stage with a cultural bottle painting workshop led by local artist Angela. Associates enjoyed a relaxing and interactive environment, fostering camaraderie while expressing their artistic talents. 

The celebration continued with an enlightening lecture presented by the Departamento di Cultura, deepening our appreciation for Aruba’s rich heritage and unique identity. A spirited Kahoot Challenge followed, engaging participants in a fun and educational competition that brought everyone together. 

The Highlight of the event was reached on March 17 with an emotive flag hoisting ceremony. Matilde Benito’s stirring performance of the national anthem inspired pride and heartfelt emotion. The festivities concluded at the Chit Chat Café, where associates enjoyed live entertainment by Jerrino Bas and Chantal Quant, an especially curated local menu, and beautifully themed decorations—wrapping up the multiple day event with a joyful and unforgettable finale. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Social Committee, F&B team, and all associates for their unwavering dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm, which brought this celebration to life and made every moment extraordinary. 

The Royal Visit

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-royal-visit-2/

Aruba’s Proposed Investment Fund

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/arubas-proposed-investment-fun/

Dark clouds ahead for Aruba

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/dark-clouds-ahead-for-aruba/

White Paper – Draft Tourism Policy

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/white-paper-draft-tourism-policy/

The deception of Jewel Residence by Able Realty

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-deception-of-jewel-residence-by-able-realty/

Premiere short film and song ‘Mi Rason’ – Celebrating Aruba’s cultural identity and pride

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/premiere-short-film-and-song-mi-rason-celebrating-arubas-cultural-identity-and-pride/

At least 25 percent of cruise calls will be redirected to San Nicolas?!

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/at-least-25-percent-of-cruise-calls-will-be-redirected-to-san-nicolas/

Above was one of the ideas presented in the minister of tourism’s white paper, Draft of Tourism Policy, aiming at easing congestion in Oranjestad, and broadening economic benefits across the island.

I went to St. Nicolas this week to look at the Art Rap Marooning Practices expo.

On my way back I decided to veer off the main drag and look at the back streets, at the real San Nicolas.

I was saddened by what I saw.

The area is so poor, abandoned and neglected, paint peeling, weeds everywhere, empty window frames, broken glass, cracked and crumbling wall.

The main street from the gas station to the bus depo, gets some attention, though it is far from perfect. Further down the street from the bus depo to the Alverhick Hotel, just a few pockets of life can be observed.

And I find it very alarming that the owners of the bars, in the ‘red light district,’ are allergic to paint and clean windows. It is all so run down and miserable.

I returned from my trip depressed, though lunch at The New Publito Paisa was lovely, and busy.

Reasonably priced too.

If the plan to send 25 percent of cruise calls to San Nicolas is more than hot air, then a huge investment is needed.

Perhaps APA can swap some land with the government. APA gets some of the refinery’s land to clean up and develop an arrival area for cruise visits, and in return APA gives GOA some of the free zone land to develop as a waterfront park.

The idea of creating a waterfront park was well presented in a recent article in AweMainta, on March 3rd.

A land swap could be a solution, to help make the minister’s cruise call plan a reality.

In 1995 GOA announced that it would attempt to create a mixed-use development with a public park, commercial and residential real estate in the defunct free zone area.

Then in 2016, the container port moved to Barcadera, and in 2022 the official plan to develop Port City was revealed.

At the time there was talk about residences for locals and visitors.

Let us think about it.

We MUST NOT develop any condominium projects, no mas, basta.

On the other hand we need 8,000 homes for locals.

Below is a BAD IDEA, from a press release in September of last year: Our Prime Minister, announced the government’s vision to redevelop the Port City area in Oranjestad into a residential neighborhood designed for local residents. The inspiration comes from Brandevoort de Veste in Helmond, the Netherlands, a community completed in 2005 and known for its unique layout of homes arranged around green spaces and community facilities. During a recent visit, the Prime Minister met with the developers of Brandevoort de Veste to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The government’s plan for Port Town emphasizes one- and two-story homes, public parks, schools, and shaded communal areas. The project will focus on affordability for middle-income residents and will include contract clauses prohibiting the use of homes for Airbnb or other short-term rentals. In addition to Port Town, a similar project is being considered for the Sero Colorado area. Designers will be invited to present proposals that combine local architectural elements with the community-centered model of Brandevoort de Veste.

The area of the Free Zone has a HUGE economic value and therefore CANNOT be used for social housing.

Affordable housing is not economically feasible on such an expensive land, GOA should not assume its value as ZERO, no locals would be able to afford to live there unless GOA subsidizes buyers, which is a bad idea.

What is left to do? The area must become a park, and perhaps in 50 years, we would need some fancy condominiums, and the area could be converted, but NOT now.

Other areas must be identified for social housing.

Yet, so far, I just heard about student apartments, no major public housing project suggested.

GOOD IDEA: With Aruba facing a housing shortage, the government is committed to accelerating residential projects that prioritize the needs of local families and strengthen community life.

Aruba Tourism Authority officially premiered the short film ‘Mi Rason’ last week. The movie, with a dedicated original soundtrack, was designed to celebrated Aruba’s culture and identity. Rodrick “Rocco” Franken and Freddy Rasta performed the title song.

The premier in the presence of dignitaries took place at Gasparito Aruban Estate.

The film has a didactic message putting local customs, norms, and values on display.

The story revolves around childhood memories of Rocco, called Ricky in the film, a carefree kid, with loving grandparents, growing up playing in the mondi, no phones, no tablets, no gaming, no TV.

Rocco’s adorable, and talented son plays young Ricky. The charming grandparents are Rocco’s mother and stepfather.

The film depicts a perfect childhood, where the island boy is taught to respect elders, to return home on time, to apologize when late, to sit down for dinner with the elders, clean his plate, take a good bath!

These were norms of yesteryears. Today’s childhoods look and feel a bit different. But then… for fun, young Ricky suggests driving around, something that many still do on the island, spending quality time together…driving around in the car – a practice from before gasoline got expensive, and traffic congested.

Ricky idyllic life takes him to church, grandpa teaches him how to play dominos, they go to the beach, Ricky splashes in the waves, he enjoys music education and plays the piano. While mom works at a restaurant, her precious son is cared for by the grandparents.

The film also depicts Ricky as he grows up into the singer and the influencer we know today. He was lucky to have such a supportive, protected childhood and he would like us all to help protect the paradise that raised him, realizing that life is culture, culture is life.

As I said, today’s childhoods look and feel a bit different. I do not have to tell you.

ATA and generous sponsors decided to rub our noses into the way it was and urge us to protect it before it is lost.

The film was shot be Ken Wolff, so it is lyrical and in good taste.

I liked it. It made me nostalgic.

Big Question: What will generation YZ say?? Do they care about local customs, norms, and values?

The film also features brief dialogues with historians and local authors who share their stories and values ​​they carry to this day.

The production was guided by Derchlien Dijkhoff, Senior Product Specialist of A.T.A. Main actor is Rodrick “Rocco” Franken with his son, Zevi Franken, with contributors Gregory Richardson, Rosabelle Illis, Desiree Correa, and Lurena Schwengle.

ATA says that the main purpose of Mi Rason, My Reason, is to strengthen national pride and to inspire the community to reflect on what motivates us to care for and value our island. The film and song are a tribute to Aruba, celebrating our past and hoping for our future. A.T.A. chose to premiere Mi Rason precisely during the period of celebration of 40 years of Status Aparte and 50 years of National Anthem and Flag, which are two important milestones.

According to Ronella Croes: “My Reason is a tribute; a warm embrace of our past, a reflection of who we are today, and a compass that guides the future we are building.”

The film wants to urge the community to reconnect with its roots and invites everyone to find out what is their own reason to love, protect and value our island.

Mi Rason is available to watch on TeleAruba every Wednesday and Friday during the month of March, at 7pm. In addition, the movie and song are available on channel YouTube official of Aruba Tourism Authority.