Garrick Marchena is one of the people who makes Curaçao the most colorful island in the Caribbean. As a painter and muralist, Garrick uses the island’s natural surroundings and its people to create art around every corner.
“I usually pick spots that are a little bit isolated and kind of let down a little bit – abandoned by people,” says Marchena. “And I often depict little children, because whether they’re crying or they’re happy, their expressions are so pure.”
Known for his paintings of Curaçaoan people and wildlife, Garrick works to inspire locals and visitors alike to find beauty in the everyday pleasures of the island.
Most of us live day to day. We don’t stop and look around, and admire, and appreciate what we have.
On getting started
I started drawing when I was around 10 years old. I got my training with DC Comics. I started drawing Batman and Superman a lot, and that helped me to be able to capture a real person. Once I got good enough, I was able to take inspiration from fantasy artists, masters like Michelangelo and Rembrandt, and of course local artists from Curaçao.
On art in Curaçao
The art scene in Curaçao is growing, and I’m really glad. But I want to see more. I want to see more young artists come up and express themselves in their own way. A lot of them are already doing it – especially in the Punda and Otrobanda area, you just walk around in the alleyways and you’ll find something.
On island favorites
Local dish…Wow, man. somewhere between bakiou ku tutu and giambo, Papiamentu word... sanger, anto kayente, which means we’re warm blooded .My favorite beach used to be Barbara Beach, but now it’s more like Kenepa in the middle of the week. When there are no people there. Nobody there at all.
On the message of his art
For us islanders, the message is that we should get to know our island more. I’m still learning all the time. I think that by getting to know your own island – its history and its nature – you learn to love it more.
