Marcel Pinas (District of Marowijne, 1971) is an artist living in Suriname, South America. His career has led him all over the world to exhibit his work. His art reflects the native cultures of Suriname and his local Ndjuka culture.

Pinas is a man moving between worlds.... processing and filtering information shaping it into his own personal vocabulary that can encompass the spaces he negotiates. His works invite us to join him on that journey while ushering us into important, and often neglected, language heritages and ways of seeing.

Artist Statement
'Basically this body of work is about past experiences. It deals with the destruction of the Ndjuka culture in Suriname. In these works, I have expressed that situation, paying attention to the protection of cultures in general. I have focused on the Ndjuka because I originate from the Ndjuka in Suriname.
The symbols used in my works are motifs used by the Ndjuka in their carving. It is a tradition to decorate the tools or objects used by these people. For example. doors, dishes, and low seats. Decorating these objects not only beautifies them, but is also a communication tool (without words) for a beloved person. Other motifs used are symbols out of the Afaka script.'

Exhibitions (selection)

2005
Suriname, Sanfika (Readytex Art Gallery)
Switzerland, Freienwil
Germany, Bewegter Wind (art installation, Sachsenberg) (winner of the first prize)

2004
Suriname, Moiwana'86 art installation
French Guyana, Cayenne (Paris)
Suriname, Readytex Open House

2003
Suriname, Tembe (Readytex Art Gallery)
Holland, Exotic Caribbean
Holland, Arnhem
Suriname, Great Expectations

2002
Trinidad, Contemporary Art (Art Creators Gallery)
Holland, Business Finance Beurs
French Guyana, Victor Hugo
Nederland, Buren
Amsterdam, De Rode Loper
U.S.A, Connecticut
Holland S.B.K., Helmond
Holland S.B.K., Amsterdam
Suriname, KIBRI A KULTURU
Holland, AFAKA S.B.K.
Brazil, AFAKA
Holland,AFAKA

2001
French Guyana, KIBRI A KULTURU
Guyana, Surinamese Contemporary Art
Trinidad, KIBRI A KULTURU (Art creators Gallery)
U.S.A., Florida
French Guyana, KIBRI A KULTURU (Cayenne)
Suriname, Krasnapolsky
Suriname, Mixed Art
Suriname, Dutch Embassy