Title: Rucu na Quadirikiri
Photo: Denize Geerman
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BIO
Justin Reinir Croes (1990, Oranjestad Aruba) (he/they) is a Caribbean/Aruban two-spirited multidisciplinary artist who came to the Netherlands in 2014 to pursue a career in art.
After first graduating from SintLucas in Boxtel (2018), Justin then obtained his Bachelor in Fine Art at St. Joost School of Art & Design in 's Hertogenbosch.
In addition to obtaining his diploma, Justin also won the 'Jheronimus Atelierprijs 2022'.
The award is made available annually by the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch as a concrete gesture to give emerging talent an opportunity to develop further by facilitating a free studio in the Willem II Factory for an entire year.
The work of Justin is deeply rooted in themes of identity, connection, and heritage. As a two-spirited being, Justin draws from their Indigenous Caquetio/Arawakan ancestry and queer identity, engaging with both nature and culture to create art that reflects, explores, and honors these multifaceted and intertwined influences.
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ARTIST STATEMENT
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“¿Quién soy? Wie ben ik? Who am I? Ta ken mi ta?” This is a question Justin Reinir Croes continually explores through their art, delving into the layered complexities of identity and existence. As a two-spirited artist, Justin embraces the fluidity of gender and spirituality, an understanding that deeply informs and enriches their creative perspective.
Inspired by the human condition, nature, science, and the cultural heritage of Aruba, Justin’s work blends ancient and contemporary iconography, merging ancestral wisdom with modern insight to create a dialogue between past and present for the future.
Their multidisciplinary approach spans digital art, poetry, animation, painting, drawing, sculpture, and performance. Each medium offers a unique space to express multifaceted narratives of self, culture, and transformation.
By integrating natural materials rooted in their heritage, such as annatto (rucu), a sacred dye used in both ritual and culinary traditions, Justin reconnects with ancestral knowledge and engages in a process of decolonization, healing, and self-discovery.
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