by Lysaye de Windt
Class Routine
Me: “Ok class, let’s see
if you remember… When I photograph a subject from and very low angle, how will
it appear... class: “Larger than usual”… Me: “And if I take the same photograph
from an high angle, looking down at the subject, how will it look now? Class:
“Much smaller!”
The Beginning...
About a year ago, Mrs.
Dulcie Goedgedrag had mentioned that Mrs. Roline Sillé, principal at the Van
Houte School, might need some help with photographing some pupils of her
school. She suggested I get in touch
with Mrs. Sille. Little did I know, this project would
become such an amazing journey including photography, teaching, learning, sharing,
volunteering and a main motivation for what is today, Curaçao Cares.
Mrs. Sillé shared that; “I’ve noticed that some of my students have
a low self-esteem as they are continuously being teased about not being pretty enough etc. I would love for you to photograph them, so
they can see their natural beauty, and build their self-confidence.”
I started thinking how
much more of an impact it would have to not only photograph these kids, but to
also teach them how to view their surroundings from a different perspective
through a lens; teach them about photography. The mission: to teach circa 90 pupils
of this special education school about visual art and to enable them to use
photography as a medium for self-expression. In developing their social and
creative skills the students would also have an opportunity to increase their
self-assurance. Ultimately, the Van Houte School
pupils would participate in a number of photography classes, photography
excursions, photo review session, mixed-media classes and in the end an exhibit
showcasing their talent.
“Alone we can do so little,
together we can do SO MUCH.”
Maduro & Curiel's Bank was looking for a project in the Brievengat nieghborhood in which their employees could participate as volunteers. When they found out about the visual arts project, they were excited to participate.
Maduro & Curiel's Bank was looking for a project in the Brievengat nieghborhood in which their employees could participate as volunteers. When they found out about the visual arts project, they were excited to participate.
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| MCB volunteer in action - photo excursion in Fleur de Marie |
The MCB volunteers joined
the photography classes and shared their love for photography and left the
students with useful advice in preparation for their photo excursions. They
joined the students on several field trips to Fleur de Marie, Sint Annabaai
harbor, Landhuis Bloemhof and Parke Tropikal, based on the school’s curriculum,
ranging from topics like Punda, the harbor and nature. With each click of the shutter to capture their images, students were encouraged to answer two questions: First, 'what inspired you and why did you choose to capture it from that particular angle'?
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| Photograph by student @ Parke Tropikal Curacao Zoo & Nature Reserve |
We could see the students
self-confidence grow as they saw their photograph projected during class. But
as creativity is endless, the project did not end there. Giovani Zanolino
gladly accepted the invitation to share his mixed-media skills with the students.
The student’s favorite photograph was used as part of their collage
masterpiece. As the MCB volunteers helped the students cut and glue their
collage together, Giovanni guided them in bringing their collage to life. Last
but not least a third element was added the work; the element of paint.
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| Giovani Zanolino volunteering during the collage sessions @ van Houte School |
The exhibit
After many hours of planning and organizing to crystalize this project, the best part is yet to come. On Saturday July 6th 2013, we invite everyone to 'Ban Topa den Punda' as Curaçao Cares together with MCB will host the van Houte School student art exhibit at Plaza JoJo Correa, revealing the students photographs and mixed media collages.
A very special Thank You goes to Saskia de Rijke from Connect Business Advisory for volunteering her consulting and writing skills and Maduro & Curiel's Bank for generously supporting to realize every single detail of this project. We could not have put this together without the commitment of MCB volunteers!
After many hours of planning and organizing to crystalize this project, the best part is yet to come. On Saturday July 6th 2013, we invite everyone to 'Ban Topa den Punda' as Curaçao Cares together with MCB will host the van Houte School student art exhibit at Plaza JoJo Correa, revealing the students photographs and mixed media collages.
A very special Thank You goes to Saskia de Rijke from Connect Business Advisory for volunteering her consulting and writing skills and Maduro & Curiel's Bank for generously supporting to realize every single detail of this project. We could not have put this together without the commitment of MCB volunteers!
