BIO
Pearl Brunings, a Surinamese-born painter, began her artistic journey in 2000, initially exploring self-reflection through forms inspired by feminine strength and abstract color work. Over time, her style evolved, leading her to focus on the deconstruction of symbols drawn from her Afro-Surinamese, Chinese, and Celtic heritage. This exploration ultimately gave rise to her current work—abstract, surreal, dreamlike landscapes. These pieces, deeply connected to personal memories and her ancestors' bond with nature, serve as reminders of humanity's relationship with the earth.
Based in Paramaribo, Pearl also creates art in Antwerp. Her mixed heritage shapes her international perspective, and her work invites viewers to explore the intangible and tangible, blending themes of cultural identity, nature, and spirituality. With a sense of mystique and quiet magic, her paintings offer a glimpse into worlds where reality and imagination gently intertwine.
CV
Born in 1969 in Paramaribo, Suriname
Resides and works in Paramaribo, Suriname
Education/training:
2000-2002
Painting apprenticeship from visual artist Soeki Irodikromo, Paramaribo, Suriname
2001-2005
Graphic design training from graphic and visual artist Henna M. Brunings, Paramaribo, Suriname
2002-2004
Painting apprenticeship from visual artist George Struikelblok, Paramaribo, Suriname
Selected solo exhibitions:
2024
Stichting Nationale Kunstbeurs presents the art of Pearl Brunings, VIP-Lounge Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, Para, Suriname
2023
When Golf Meets Art, Golfclub Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
2023
Unchained, De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2023
As Spring Sets In, Xclusive Arts, Antwerp, Belgium
2021
Che’s Presents Art from Hex’s Heart, Che’s Bar Tapas Cigars, Paramarbo, Suriname
Selected group exhibitions:
2024
Stichting Sanjay’s Najaar Salon 2024, Vrij Paleis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2023
SIAF 2022 Pop-Up, Surinaamsch Rumhuis, Paramaribo, Suriname
2022
43rd Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the CARICOM, Royal Torarica, Paramaribo, Suriname
2022
High Level Security Conference 2022, Torarica Resort & Royal Torarica, Paramaribo, Suriname
2022
Artlife of Rum, Surinaamsch Rumhuis, Paramaribo, Suriname
2004
Diff’rent Strokes, Centro Andres Bello Community Centre, Paramaribo, Suriname
2001
Faces, Fort Zeelandia gebouw 9, Paramaribo, Suriname
Art fairs:
2023
Nationale Kunstbeurs 2023 (NK 2023/SIAF 2023), De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2022
Nationale Kunstbeurs 2022 (NK 2022/SIAF 2022), De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
2021
Nationale Kunstbeurs 2021 (NK 2021/SIAF 2021), De Hal, Paramaribo, Suriname
Collections:
Pearl Brunings is collected by various private collectors in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Suriname, Türkiye and USA.
Selected press:
“Minister Jubithana presents artworks to colleagues in Curaçao as gifts” in Starnieuws (2023).
“Pearl Brunings held a solo exhibition titled 'Unchained'” on ABC TV Suriname (2023).
“Expositie ‘Unchained’: an ode aan creative freedom” in Waterkant (2023).
Raoul Roeplal,“Visual artist Pearl Brunings holds her first major solo exhibition” on ABC TV Suriname (2023).
“Pearl Brunings unveils versatile art in 'Unchained” in De Ware Tijd (2023).
“Q-Time with Pearl Brunings” on Surpreme Suriname TV (2023).
Tascha Aveloo, “Art and Culture” in De Ware Tijd (2022).
“Q-Time with Pearl Brunings” on Surpreme Suriname TV (2022).
“Episode 09 - April 29, 2021” on podcast Eygi Du Magazine (2021).
Sranan fawaka,“Video portrait of Pearl Brunings” on MTNL TV Amsterdam.
Professional contributions:
2024
Facilitator of the 'Maluwana, Paint Your Inner Journey' workshops, Herentals, Belgium.
2023
Selection committee member for ‘Nationale Kunstbeurs 2023’, Paramaribo, Suriname
2023-now
Conducting and facilitating corporate artistic team-building sessions, Paramaribo, Suriname
2023
Founder and organizer of The Mobile Exhibition, Paramaribo, Suriname
2005-now
Private art teaching, Paramaribo, Suriname
2005-now
Graphic designer, Paramaribo, Suriname