Exhibition "Nos Hende: A Portrait of the People of Aruba" by Rob Vermeer.
ORANJESTAD – On March 26, 2025, the photography exhibition "A Portrait of the People of Aruba" by Rob Vermeer opened at the Civil Registry/Censo head office.
A vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is a unique source and melting pot of diversity and cultural unity, where people from different backgrounds have come together to form a rich and dynamic society. With over 100,000 inhabitants, the island has become home to a blend of Indigenous Arawak heritage, European influences (primarily Dutch), and communities from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This cultural fusion makes Aruba a beautiful destination and a profoundly human and diverse experience.
For over five decades, Dutch photographer Rob Vermeer has captured the essence of Aruba through his lens. Having lived on the island since 1947, Vermeer has witnessed the evolution of its people, traditions, and cultural landscapes. His work goes beyond photography. Its historical and emotional documentation tells the story of his life experience in Aruba.
"Nos Hende" (Papiamento for Our People) is one of his most profound projects—a collection of intimate portraits that highlight Arubans' faces, expressions, and daily lives. Through this series, Vermeer showcases the island’s multi-ethnic identity, emphasizing the individuality of each subject and their sense of belonging to Aruba.
His portraits capture people from all walks of life, including street vendors, fishermen, artists, senior citizens, and children. Each picture tells a silent yet powerful story of resilience, joy, and identity. In an era where globalization continues to shape communities, "Nos Hende" is an artistic reminder of Aruba’s unique cultural blend and the importance of honoring its many ethnic groups by focusing on real people in their authentic settings.
Vermeer makes sure that Aruba's human legacy is conserved and valued for future generations by capturing and honoring its many facets.
The exhibition will remain open to the public for three months, and admission is free. It is a unique opportunity to discover and connect with the richness of Aruba’s cultural diversity through the lens of artist Rob Vermeer.
For inquiries, you can email: nos-hende@outlook.com.