"My art is about experiences from the past. It deals with the demise of the N’dyuka culture in Surinam caused by war and economic strife. In my work I project that situation, paying attention to the protection of cultures in general."
Marcel Pinas is a renowned Surinamese contemporary artist known for his deep commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Maroon community. Born in 1971 in the village of Pelgrimkondre in eastern Suriname, Pinas draws inspiration from his roots as a Maroon, a descendant of enslaved Africans who established independent communities in the rainforest.
Educated at the Nola Hatterman Institute in Paramaribo and later at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica, Pinas developed a unique artistic language that fuses traditional Maroon symbols, like pangi cloth and the Afaka script, with modern art forms. His work spans painting, sculpture, and large-scale installations, often reflecting on cultural identity, memory, and the power of art as a vehicle for social change.
A firm believer that “art must serve the community,” Pinas founded the Kibii Foundation and Tembe Art Studio (TAS) in Moengo, initiatives that promote art education, cultural exchange, and local development. His installations, such as Kibii Wi Koni (“Protect Our Knowledge”), highlight the importance of preserving Maroon heritage.
Pinas has exhibited internationally, including at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, MoCADA, New York, and the Havana Biennial. In 2010, he was honored as a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau, recognizing his significant cultural contributions both in Suriname and globally.