Amsterdam
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Surinamese Wedding Portraits: A Historical Photography Exhibition of Personal Stories and Global Connections

Uncover a century of Surinamese heritage through intimate wedding photographs documenting migration and cultural unity.

This exhibition delves into a significant era of Surinamese history, presenting over one hundred compelling wedding photographs captured between 1846 and 1954. Explore how these intimate portraits and family histories illustrate extensive migration patterns and personal connections worldwide. The collection illuminates profound themes of love, diversity, and shared heritage forged across different continents.

About Surinamese Wedding Portraits at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Surinamese Wedding Portraits at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition presents over one hundred memorable wedding photographs from 1846 to 1954, a period when Suriname was a Dutch colony. The collection explores the extensive migration of Surinamese people globally and the personal stories behind their connections, highlighting themes of love, diversity, and shared history across borders.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Surinamese Wedding Portraits' showcases a compelling collection of over one hundred wedding photographs and numerous family histories spanning from 1846 to 1954, a significant period when Suriname was a Dutch colony. These personal images and narratives illuminate the profound migration patterns of Surinamese people across the globe, documenting how many found partners in diverse locations such as Aruba, Curaçao, the former Dutch East Indies, the Netherlands, and North America. The collection's strength lies in illustrating the myriad of connections that extended worldwide. Central to these stories are significant themes characterizing Suriname's colonial history, including slavery, contract labour, immigration, and emigration, alongside personal bonds, diversity, and unity. The photographs hold substantial significance not only for the individuals and families immortalized but also for understanding a shared international history. The project was initiated by guest curator Lucia Nankoe in 2014, involving descendants of bridal couples and growing steadily to encompass over 135 photos and stories since its book publication and travelling exhibition in 2019.

Admission and ticket notes

For more information or press requests, please see the press office section of the Foam website or contact our press office via email. Specific ticketing details for this exhibition are not provided on this page, but general museum information may be available on the main Foam website.

Surinamese Wedding Portraits key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Surinamese Wedding Portraits at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Venue
Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
This exhibition was created in collaboration with guest curator Lucia Nankoe. Foam also thanks Gerard Sweep and Astrid Waltmans for their support.
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