Exhibition Text – Showroom

In 2010, Folkeringa stayed in a guest studio at Instituto Buena Bista, the contemporary art institute on Curaçao founded by Tirzo Martha, David Bade, and Nancy Hoffman. There, she became fascinated by the phenomenon of “bling bling.” What many in the West see as bad taste is considered a status symbol by many in Curaçao. In the Netherlands, she continued her research into the visual aspect of identity. Signet rings, chains of office, Indian bangle bracelets, display cases filled with expensive link watches, and cheap imitation-gold jewellery found at markets all serve as sources of inspiration for Folkeringa’s current work.

The result is a showroom full of bling bling. Most works loosely reference car logos, link bracelets, and watch straps, but Folkeringa also uses the individual components as abstract elements that no longer specifically evoke existing bling bling, instead forming their own visual language. Up close, it becomes apparent that these objects are made from “worthless” materials such as foil and tape.