Thanks to:

The Royal Netherlands Embassy, the Ambassador, Arie van der Wiel, Charlotte Nijland, Suntrade, Mark Davies, Orla Ryan, make-up artist Nana Amu Fleischer; models Sido Eloho Sylvia and Kweku Ansah, Ramesh Studio, Bob Dennis and Jimmy Amegaye, Lesley Lokko, Manon Jachmam, Rinette Maats, Jef Haenen, Alexander Kofman, Prof. Irene K. Odotei, the Ghanaian Press and Karl Nasr.

Supported by:

Royal Netherlands Embassy

By: Reginaldo Gonçalves, Thomas Hess, Lucas Duysens and Monique Haenen Schouwenberg,

Accra, Ghana 2006

Contact: regisaccra@hotmail.com - 0242132654

Bringing

Ghana 2006

Opening: 28^th April at the Queen’s day

at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador to Ghana

3^rd – 31^st May at Ivy’s - Ring road, Accra

Orla Ryan

Introduction: Bringing Rembrandt to Ghana

This catalogue introduces the art exhibition, which is part of the Queen’s Day, the Dutch National Day. This year, the Dutch have double reason for celebration; 2006 is the 400th anniversary of the birth of Rembrandt, the country's most famous painter.

Having Lived in Ghana for some years, Reginaldo Gonçalves, Thomas Hess and Monique Haenen Schouwenberg quickly saw the links between Rembrandt's paintings and modern Ghanaian culture, reflecting in part the centuries-old trading and cultural links between the two countries.

Seeking to place Rembrandt's ideas within a Ghanaian context, they noted that the popularity of Kente clothe in modern Ghana chimes with the importance of dyed worsted clothe in Holland. The Civil Guards, ordinary men who protected Amsterdam in times of trouble find their modern-day match in the Asafo Company, the Ghanaian guard.

With the exception of the Ghanaian Bride - where models are used to reflect the fact that the identity of the original Jewish Bride is unclear - these are no ordinary models as the pictures capture what they do in real life.

Rembrandt's art was deeply rooted in 17th century Dutch life but the fact that the same themes resonate for international artists based in West Africa in the 21st century is testiment to the Dutch master's art and the universality of his work. However, the artists involved in this project used photography, not to provide an exact replica of Rembrandt's work, but to highlight the similarities between Rembrandt's work and aspects of Ghanaian culture.

Take your time to see, feel and compare your impressions of Ghana with those proposed by the artists; it will surely add some new elements to your own view and perceptions.

The Jewish Bride

Amsterdam, 1665

Scholars have established that this type of portrait goes back to Italian Renaissance scenes of marriage or betrothal. Nowadays this loving scene of a couple showing their affection to one another is assumed to represent either the biblical coupe Isaac and Rebecca or a portrait of a scene of a theatre-play. But the colouristic power and the tenderness of the two lovers still retain their original impact.

The Ghanaian Bride

Accra, 2006

Designer Kofi Ansah and Kati Torda conceived the picture of the Ghanaian Bride in a studio in Accra. Similar to Rembrandt's "Jewish Bride", it depicts a loving couple showing their affection to one another.

Traditional Weddings continue to play an important role within Ghanaian society. The way the bride and groom dress is governed by status, tribe and wealth.

The Syndics

Amsterdam, 1662

This painting represents a meeting of the Board of the Drapers, who were responsible for supervising the quality of the dyed worsted, a thickly woven woollen fabric common in Holland at the time.

The painting, commissioned by the Officials of the House, was the last painting in which Rembrandt portrayed a large group of people.

The guild members have different religions and backgrounds but the spirit of cooperation is evident in the picture, highlighting the tolerant nature of Amsterdam society.

The Kente Weavers

Accra, 2006

“Weaving is seen as a God-given ability, a manifest of creativity and a legacy handed from father to son”.

The picture was taken at a shop in Accra where these men produce KENTE. These strip-woven cloths are part of an ancient Ghanaian tradition and were inspired by the demands of royalty and the wealthy for rich display.

“Rembrandt’s paintings are unequalled for their eloquence and human compassion, their deep understanding of mankind, and the dramatic beauty of their expression.”

Lines copied out from the book Rembrandt by Ludwig Munz and bob Haak

Rembrandt van Rijn, 1606-1669

The 400^th birthday of Rembrandt van Rijn, the most famous painter of Holland's Golden Age, is being celebrated in Holland and around the world this year by a series of events and exhibitions.

The son of a miller, Rembrandt grew up in Leiden where he began his career. In 1631, he moved to Amsterdam, where he developed and mastered the technique of Chiaroscuro, the play of light and shadow. The painter strove to create a world of thought and feeling, so the finished work was more than just a simple representation of reality. He amplified the power of the major human themes, such as love, religion, sexuality and violence, changing not only the course of painting, but also our perception of the world. Practitioners of the technique of Chiaroscuro seek to highlight emotion, tension and drama, bringing the dead surface of the paper to life.

Night Watch

Amsterdam, 1642

Rembrandt's portrayal of the Civic Guards of Amsterdam, now known as the Night Watch, is his most famous painting. The painting was renamed in the 18^th century as its layers of yellow varnish had darkened after years spent hanging over an open fire at the headquarters of the Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq in Amsterdam.

During the war between the Netherlands and Spain in the 17^th century, the city of Amsterdam was protected by Companies of Civil Guards; ordinary men aged between 18 and 60 who were responsible for law and order in the city. At that time, Amsterdam was divided into districts and neighbourhoods and each had its own Civil Guard. When the war ended, these companies of Civil Guards became social societies.

The Ghanaian Night Watch Asafo Companies, Accra, 2006

Grouped according to Akutsei-quarters- and based on the We-patrilineage- the representatives of the Asafo Companies portrayed in this picture are a community whose task is to protect and defend the people in times of war, responsible for law and order and act as rescue squad in times of emergencies. Furthermore, this Civil Society is also responsible for the cause of the common people and their relationship with the chiefs for justice and accountability.

The four quarters presented here are Asere, Gbese, Otublohum, and Abola.

Dubai news

Hi there,

I am back with another general email.

I was until today busy trying to get my driving licence. Finally I got it today. Here the driving test is divided into 4 stages and I got it at the first attempt. Now I am able to go round Dubai and see more nice things. I am happier now!

Lat week I met a Lebanese/Brazilian who has a shop here; of course he sells Brazilian clothes that is why I met him, nice fellow by the way.

I went with a couple, friends of ours to the Hilton; its gardens are amazing, I had never seen such thing. It is quite expensive to spend the day there (on the beach) but it is worth paying, at least once just to see it.

There are other lovely places to go especially around the Creek where there are lots of terraces, and after 4pm it gets crowded with nice atmosphere, I really like to go there, I feel like in Venice (just a dream). The temperature has dropped to 25 at night, so that t-shirt is not enough. That is the good part.

The city is expensive if one wants to do the tourist route but after few days here we are learning where to go and have a nice evening.

I still Miss Accra especially its simplicity and the people there are closer than here, but I am sure I will survive, no wonder about that.

About the competition, it is going well at I least I think. I didn’t think that it could go that far so I am pleased with the result. Let’s wait until December and see what exactly will happen.

I am still going to my arts course and I have met quite some artist here. I might begin a course at the Alliance Française but I am not sure of that; it is quite far from our house and courses are in the evening.

We go to the beach every weekend and the water is warm and the sea is quiet. There are quite a lot of beach parks here and it has excellent facilities, but I miss my wine and the ladies to cook fish on the beach, too bad.

I will back soon with more news from Dubai. Have a good week and take care.

Greetings,

Regis

Hallo there

This is a general email to all that I care about. I promise to write a personal email after getting the answer from you.

I am finally in Dubai. I arrived here last Thursday (28/09) after my holiday in Brazil.

I had my first impression of the city from the plane and the view is really impressive. There is the desert, the city and the sea. The airport is huge and full of gold and a palm tree, alcohol at the duty free is cheap and available; every person is allowed to buy 4 bottles and take it home. Outside the airport I saw lots of people standing just like in Ghana but here there are no taxis pushing or people shouting offering things which is a pity I was used to bargain my own taxi

On the way home I saw all the famous building that I had seen on books and TV. The house is 30 minutes from the most famous building the BURJ AL ARAB hotel. As a view we have the desert, camels and the city; it is pretty calm and clean with lots of flowers and green areas. The temperature is going down and now is quite pleasant to walk outside; I am planning to start playing tennis next week. According to weather forecast here the nicest time to visit here is between November and May, I hope they are right. The shops are full with winter clothes and I am waiting for that. Here is dry and hot.

I am still busy with the house and it is nearly finished, I spent the weekend hanging paintings and trying to make it more comfortable. I need to hang up the curtains after that I am done.

I have visited some places and one can find everything here. Night life is amazing, bars beautifully decorated; the service is perfect and not expensive. People are from everywhere; I have also met a Brazilian friend from my home town (I used to teach chemistry to her brothers), she works as a manager at the four Season hotel. It is said that Dubai is a holiday destination which I can’t deny and not agree either. I think that one must have a look at the city and judge by oneself. The most interesting thing for me is to see a city in the middle of nowhere with all the infrainstructure and services available, a built city. It reminds me of a book that I read long ago called The Tale of the two cities, in which the author talks about a city within another city, a sort of invisible city I don’t recommend reading it.

I am very positive about being here and I hope to find my way soon. I am starting some courses next week and the people seem friendly and willing to help. The city has a large art scene and nice with galleries, museums and of course thousands of shopping malls. I am not driving yet but I will soon start so that I will have more information on Dubai.

Visitors are welcome from November on, just let me know.