Presentation of 'Zwarte Pracht' by Michiel van Kempen
ORANJESTAD — On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, a special presentation evening for the work 'Zwarte Pracht' (Black Splendor) will take place at the National Library of Aruba.
The author, Dr. Michiel van Kempen, will travel from the Netherlands to personally present his work.
In 'Zwarte Pracht', Dr. Michiel van Kempen highlights the history and culture of Suriname and the six islands of the Dutch Caribbean—Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius—through paintings and art objects from his private collection.
Dr. Michiel van Kempen served as Extraordinary Professor of Dutch Caribbean Literature at the University of Amsterdam. Having lived and worked in Suriname for several years, he has extensively studied Caribbean literature and published numerous works on the biographical and political history of Suriname and the Caribbean. In 'Zwarte Pracht', he pays special attention to two paintings by the Aruban artist Wouter van Romondt. Dr. Van Kempen's visit to Aruba was made possible by the Aruba Museum Foundation's 'Awareness' program.
In collaboration with Ms. Astrid Britten of the National Library of Aruba, the Department of Culture Aruba, and cultural manager Drs. Mirto Laclé, a diverse program has been assembled to promote Aruban culture:
- Musical Performance: A live performance by 'Grupo Trinity' under the direction of Maybelline Arends-Croes, featuring vocalists Hilyann Croes, Marylou Trimon, and Veloushka Krozendijk.
- Literary Focus: Drs. Mirto Laclé will present and highlight Aruban authors featured in Michiel van Kempen's work 'Album van de Caraïbische Poëzie' (Album of Caribbean Poetry).
- Special Tribute: Frank Booi will be honored for his valuable work as an author and poet in enriching Aruban literature, history, and the Papiamento language.
Admission is free. For more information, please contact Mirto Laclé at 742 6274.