Reinier Asmoredjo brings Suriname’s colourful daily life to life in new solo exhibition

With colourful paintings, he takes visitors on an artistic journey through everyday life in Suriname, focusing on cultural diversity, resilience, connectedness and progress.

Asmoredjo, who has been active as an artist for more than forty years, is known for his distinctive style in which powerful colours, flowing lines and rhythmic compositions come together. In his latest exhibition, he brings together personal memories and everyday scenes in artworks reflecting changes within Surinamese society.

Marron woman as a symbol of strength and progress

A striking and recurring element in Asmoredjo’s work is the depiction of a Marron woman carrying her goods in a basket on her head. For the artist, this woman symbolises independence, perseverance and economic progress. “For years, I have been fascinated by the image of the hustling woman with a basket on her head. To me, she represents progress and productivity. Only when you work hard can you make a contribution to the country and its people,” Asmoredjo said.

In his artworks, the woman also takes on a broader meaning as Mama Sranan (Mother Suriname), a mother figure symbolising the connection between Suriname’s different population groups. In doing so, the artist emphasises that Surinamese identity extends beyond ethnic and cultural differences.

Colours and symbolism tell a story

It is not only people and everyday events that play an important role in Asmoredjo’s paintings. Symbolic elements such as suns, circles, birds and organic forms also regularly recur. These elements refer to life energy, freedom, development and the continuous movement within society. Through his use of colour and composition, the artist gives recognisable situations from everyday life a deeper meaning.

With the exhibition, Asmoredjo aims to invite visitors to look at their surroundings anew. Despite social changes and challenges, he continues to emphasise human dignity, beauty and mutual connectedness in his work.

Exhibition open until January 2027

The official opening of ‘Lobi Pasi | Impressions of a Journey’ will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Readytex Art Gallery in Paramaribo. Visitors are welcome from 7 p.m., after which the opening begins at 7:30 p.m. The exhibition will then be open to the public from Monday, November 9, 2026, through Saturday, January 9, 2027.

The gallery is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. With this exhibition, Asmoredjo offers an artistic view of Surinamese street life and the people who, in his view, contribute to the country’s development through their daily efforts.