Courtesy of: The Morning News
By Rosalie Klein
The Centro di Desaroyo di Hende Muher (Center for the Development of Women) or CEDEHM, was proud to announce they will have on display throughout their headquarters in Aruba the work of island artists Mario Carrera.
Mr. Carrera, who began devoting his life to art two years ago after suffering an accident that robbed him of the use of his legs, expressed his gratitude for this opportunity to bring his message of “Cas Perdi” (Lost Home) to the public.
The artists explained that his preoccupation with his subjects began prior to his accident, when he noticed during his travels around Aruba, the severely sad state of many of the island’s landmark homes and structures. “It is not that those living in them did not care about the state of the home, (though many do) everyone in the house was working so hard to make ends meet.”
Aruba’s Monument Bureau is dedicated to attempting to restore and preserve many of these centuries-old homes, some abandoned, but many of them still occupied by descendents of those that originally built them. They antiquated methods and materials used for constructing the houses also present singular problems in maintenance, as the high salt content of the coral rock causes paint to flake and peel within a short time.
A large percentage of Mr. Carrera’s paintings on display at the CEDEHM building depict these homes and other historical community structures. A number of the latter have been recently restored or are in the process.
The collection also includes several paintings of Aruba’s native avian population. They are quite charming, using a somewhat realistic style tempered with the primitive. His nature works are also to spotlight the need for the community to be diligent in preserving the environment and the native flora and fauna. Mr. Carrera lamented the pillage of natural sites, being replaced by what he feels is excessive and unneeded construction, in the name of “progress.”
The exhibition opened on Tuesday, November 19. which is International Men’s Day, Inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago, the day and its events find support from a variety of individuals and groups in Australia, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe and Africa, and is endorsed by UNESCO.
“We are very proud to show the CEDEHM is not only about women,” stated CEDEHM Project Coordinator Mia Ras,” we celebrate the healthy development of all our community, together.”
In honor of the day, Garnier, distributed exclusively on Aruba by Mediocosmetics, presented Mr. Carrera, his son, and all the male members of island media with a gift pack of their fine hair and body care products.
CEDHEM Aruba is located within a beautiful landmark building, on a side street just off the Caya Betico Croes, heading south. They are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM until noon and from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Presently, no final date has been set for the exhibit. All paintings are also for sale.
