Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dreams of Bonaire Exhibition Opens on December 2, 2008

An exhibition of dramatic, life-sized, limited-edition photographs entitled Dreams of Bonaire will be available for viewing at Kas di Arte from December 2nd through 16th, 2008.  The photographs feature the winners of the “What is Your Ambition” essay contest held recently at Jong Bonaire.  Each of the winners was then photographed dressed as their career ambition in beautiful Bonairean settings.

In addition to the 12 teen photos, the exhibition includes over 30 large images of Bonaire landscapes, nature, and underwater scenes.  The photos are printed on canvas in sizes from one meter square, to 50 cm2 and 30 cm2.  The photographer prefers the large square format because the eye can easily circle it and take in the entire image. “I feel it is more pleasing to the eye than the usual rectangular shape,” he adds. 

Bart Landheer and his wife, Jacqueline, started the massive project last year when they photographed the winners of the essay contest for the “Dreams of the Kids of Jong Bonaire” calendar, which is on sale now in most stores on the island.  “We wanted to donate our time and skills to something that will have a positive effect on the island,” said Jacqueline. “In addition to encouraging the teens’ ambitions, the calendar is a fundraising project for the Jong Bonaire youth center.”

All the photos in the exhibit are for sale and any income over the cost of production will go to Jong Bonaire.  They were printed in Holland on canvas using a large format Epson printer with archival inks designed to last 80 years.  They have also been specially sprayed to protect the image in the Bonaire environment.  “We like to print the photos ourselves so that we can control every step of the process,” said Jacqueline.  “The result you see is exactly what the photographer intended.”

The photo exhibit features some favorite Bonaire locations as well as some images that many people have not seen.  The photographers have captured the colors and special light in each location and the extra large format makes the viewer feels like he is part of the scene.

The show will be open each day during the first two weeks of December at Kas di Arte, which is located on the waterfront, north of It Rains Fishes. Bart and Jacqueline Landheer will be available to discuss the works and arrange for any sales.  Should viewers prefer a different size or would like to have one shipped to Holland or the USA, this can be arranged as well.  However, only five copies of any print will be sold.  Those who purchase the large photos will also receive an exclusive signed copy of Landheer’s photo book.

The Landheers live in Holland where they run a design studio, but over the last 10 years have spent as much time as possible on Bonaire.  He has been a photographer since he was 14 years old, when he started developing and printing his own photos.  For more information about the exhibit, contact Jong Bonaire, 717-4303, or Bart Landheer, 787-0224.  (Source:  Jong Bonaire)

Note Update December 5, 2008: The exhibit of giant photos of Bonaire faces and nature will be open from 10 AM until 7 PM for the next three days: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.