De tuin: A Contemporary Art Exhibition by Mario Sergio Alvarez at Bijbels Museum

Mario Sergio Alvarez's 'De tuin' is an installation of 27 oil-painted wooden panels derived from dismantled kitchens, symbolizing his immigrant integration process. The artwork features plants cataloged by the Dutch government, prompting reflection on belonging and adaptation.

Mario Sergio Alvarez presents 'De tuin', an impactful installation comprising 27 pieces of wood adorned with oil paint, each measuring approximately 6 x 1.70 meters and created in 2021. These wooden elements were salvaged from three kitchens Alvarez disassembled during his initial period of employment as an immigrant in the Netherlands. This phase of his life, marked by a chaotic and uncertain integration process, is metaphorically represented by these discarded materials, symbolizing a time when he had to set aside his passion to survive while adjusting to a new system and culture. The artist chose to preserve these 27 pieces of wood, destined for disposal, as a potent symbol of his adaptation. The plants meticulously painted on these panels are drawn from official Dutch government catalogs that categorize exotic flora. These categories distinguish between plants that can thrive in the Dutch environment, those deemed illegal due to their invasive nature, and those considered legal and non-invasive. This botanical classification serves as a framework for Alvarez's introspective question about his own identity and place, pondering what kind of 'plant' he would become in this new context. When assembled, the 27 panels coalesce into an exotic garden where the distinctions between these plant categories become blurred, mirroring the complexities of assimilation. Alvarez, a Cuban artist, consistently explores the theme of context in his multidisciplinary work, examining how it generates political and cultural tensions and shapes notions of identity, nationality, and home. His artistic practice, which includes video, photography, installations, and paintings, often delves into the political landscape of Cuba, questioning established truths and histories. 'De tuin' is a significant submission for the Open Call EXODUS, a joint initiative by the Bijbels Museum and Buitenplaats Doornburgh, highlighting his engagement with themes of belonging and cultural transition.