ORANJESTAD (AAN): Aruban-born street artist Gustave Nouel, currently residing in Deventer, the Netherlands, has been officially included in the National Artists Book 2026 (Jaarboek kunstenaars 2026). He is the only artist from Deventer invited by the NABK (National Association of Visual Artists) to be featured in this prestigious publication.
On page 130 of the book, Nouel presents a photograph of his artwork “Timeless Homage to Rembrandt”, a life-sized painting portraying himself on a beach in a “paradise” setting. The work combines contemporary material-based painting with near-abstract elements, inspired by Rembrandt’s timeless self-portraits.
In the region, Nouel regularly performs his well-known live painting performance “Ode to Rembrandt”, a practice he began in his youth. Today, he often collaborates with students from DAK (Deventer Amateur Artists) and appears as a guest artist for organizations such as Kunst en Cultuur aan de IJssel and Gallery ArtFra in Apeldoorn. In Deventer, Nouel is widely appreciated for sharing his artistic experience with emerging artists.
Since the early 2000s, Gustave Nouel has conducted street portrait workshops and live painting performances both nationally and internationally.
Projects in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the ISI Academy of Art in Bali (Denpasar) has expressed strong interest in hosting Nouel for workshops and live demonstrations of Ode to Rembrandt for its students.
Ms. Mi Komang Artini, from ISI’s Public Relations and Cooperation Unit, has proposed a future exhibition at the academy.
Additionally, Mr. Ketot Kariasa, curator of the ARMA Museum & Resort, has expressed interest in organizing street-portrait workshops and live performances at the museum, as well as a solo exhibition of Nouel’s work. Nouel is represented in Indonesia by artist and cultural mentor Greis Keagow.
Vision for an Art Museum in Aruba
For many years, artists in Aruba have dreamed of establishing a serious museum dedicated to local and international art. Several attempts have been made in the past without success. Gustave Nouel hopes that 2026 will be the year a viable formula is found to turn this dream into reality.
Brothers Stanley and Clayton Brown have been working for years to help establish a professional museum, believing that Nouel’s experience, artistic quality, and international reputation could help open doors for many Aruban artists.
Support from key institutions such as the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Directorate of Culture Aruba (DCA), and other stakeholders is considered essential.
Over the years, Nouel’s paintings have been included in numerous private and official collections, museums, and art institutes worldwide. He has held more than 200 international exhibitions and is often referred to as the “Rembrandt of Aruba”, largely due to his iconic Ode to Rembrandt live painting performances.
Gustave Nouel is scheduled to return to Aruba in February 2026 for an artistic project. His stay is expected to inspire new artistic initiatives on the island and across the Caribbean.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/obranan-di-gustave-nouel-a-ser-poni-den-buki-nacional-di-artista-di-2026-na-hulanda
