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Draft:Serena J. Israel

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Serena Janet Israel (*05.07.1971 in West-Berlin, Germany) is a German restorer and artist living on the Caribbean Island of Curacao. She is known on the island and in the Netherlands for her 'Chichi' sculptures, which became a popular landmark of Curacao.

Early Life and Education

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Serena Israel was born in the city of former West-Berlin as the eldest of three daughters. She grew up in a middle-class family. Israel's mother was a dressmaker, her father worked his way up from a construction worker to a scaffolder with his own company. Israel's interest in different forms of art became evident at a young age and was encouraged early on by her parents.[1]

After Israel completed school in 1988 with a secondary school diploma (Realschule), she began a three year study at the 'Gipsformerei der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin[2]' to become a plaster art molder (1988–1991). Later, she started a follow-up education to become a restorer for stone and plaster. She completed the practical part from 1992-1993 at the 'Ethnologischem Museum' and from 1993-1995 at the 'Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung' on the 'Museumsinsel', Berlin. At the same time, Israel attended evening school in order to obtain the necessary qualifications to pursue a university degree. At the end, Israel decided to set aside her studies and embarked on a world sailing expedition in 1995.

World circumnavigation and emigration

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In 1995 Israel undertook a 6-year journey around the world with her partner at the time aboard a self-built sailing boat. The couple build the boat at the 'Bootswerft Neuhaus' following the original museum plans of Colin Archer. Israel stated in an interview with ArchitectenPunt that her travel deeply changed her. They followed the trade winds route starting in the Netherlands. After calling ports Spain, the Canary Island, Africa, Cape Verde and different Caribbean islands she arrived on Curacao in 2001 and decided to stay alone on the island.[1]

The same year, as she arrived on Curacao, she met the father of her only daughter Chayen Clèment, who was born two years later. Benoit Clèment (*31.12.1963 – 23.07.2011) was a Canadian Olympic swimmer who later died of cancer in 2011. He only experienced the beginning of the Art Factory Israel founded three years earlier.

In 2014 Israel married the famous saxophonist and singer Michael Anthony (*31.12.1963 – 23.07.2011). Anthony, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, became a second father to her daughter Chayen and had a great influence in their personal life and company.[3][4] Israel described him as her "soulmate, spiritual leader and counsellor."[5] In 2021 he died at the age of 75 due to leukemia, surrounded by his family.[6] In his memory, his widow submerged one of his saxophones, cast in a cement base, off the Western coast of Curaçao. The saxophone has since become a popular diving spot for scuba divers.

Serena's Art Factory

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To support her family, Israel had several jobs. She worked as a waiter, sales woman of handmade jewellery and furniture, entertainer at children`s parties, and cleaned boats. She created her own jewellery shop and gave workshops for adults and children.[1] The latter helped her to re-enter her original profession and to found her own company.

Serena started her own business as a one-person company, with the trademarking of her signature woman sculpture the so called 'Chichi' in 2008. With the growing demand for Chichi, Serena began assembling a team for production in the Factory in 2009. Serena's Art Factory officially opened its doors in 2012 to locals and tourists.[7] The factory is located in the east of the island between the aloe plantation and ostrich farm on a street leading to a popular kite surf spot. Additionally, there is a small shop located in the old town Punda, Willemstad where the figures have also been available for purchase since 2010.[8]

She also recruited local artists to handle the painting. This final step of production is done at the artists' homes.[9] This arrangement allows local women, who still primarily take care of childcare on Curaçao, to earn money independently and become more self-reliant, while still being able to take care of their children and not have to rely on the undependable public transport system on a daily basis. Physically disabled individuals benefit from this arrangement as well.[10] Since 2015 every artist gets their own number, after a six-months training period, which is placed on the bottom of Chichi. A personal introduction of every official artist is shared on the official Chichi website.[11] Artists also have the possibility to participate in company-founded painting workshop to evolve their skills and individual styles, so even amateurs have the chance to work for Chichi. Since 2014, visitors have had the opportunity to design their own Chichis in a workshop also.

Chichi

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The Chichi trademark was registered in 2008. Chichi became the typical and traditional Caribbean souvenir for tourists visiting the island. The sculpture resembles a volumonious woman[12] sitting down with her arms open. She is wearing colorful clothes painted on her while the faceless head as well as arms and legs are painted in black.

"Chichis are so much more than just a big sister; they capture the embraces, the pride, and the heritage of many Curaçaoan women, [...]. [...]. They had to take control of the family, which often meant they had no time for a school education. So Chichis became pillars of the Curaçaoan families – they held them together."[13] - Serena Israel in a BBC Interview

While creating the first Chichi sculpture, Serena was, among other things, inspired by her deep-rooted joy coming from Niki de Saint Phalle's free-spirited and colorful art style, especially the 'Nanas'. But also, the feminist and political values of the artist, that are still up to date today, are a part which resonated with Serena and transpires through her social work around the Art Factory.

In addition to Saint Phalle's stylized female figures, prehistoric female and goddess figures such as the Venus of Willendorf also influenced Israel's interpretation of Chichi. The characteristic simplicity, achieved through the reduction to the most basic body forms, is a common feature shared by these figures. The curvy figurine became a symbol for body positivity on the island.[14]

Israel's extensive world travels, her own artistic background, and her training in restoration came together in this figure. Although the first Chichi was made of papier-mâché and chicken wire, Serena quickly drew on her training from Germany, which was focused on working with plaster. To this day, the majority of Chichi figures are still made from plaster, although more durable and weather-resistant versions made from epoxy or concrete are now also available. There is also a luxury line made of bronze, produced by the traditional Berlin company 'Seiler's Bildgiesserei[15]'.[16] To this day, Israel has expanded the range of Chichi products to include many different versions. In addition to the classic seated Chichi, there are also lying, flying and standing versions. Israel was joined by a 'Bubu' (Papiamentu for brother), and the family expanded to include 'Yuchi' (child), 'Pushi' (cat), and 'Chochi' (dog). As an inclusive company, Isreal created the first 'Wheelchair Chichi' in 2018, 'Yuchi in Wheelchair' was added to the collection in 2020. In the same year, Chichi has also become an underwater attraction and can be seen while diving at the Alice in Wonderland Reef off the coast of Curaçao.[17] The colorful and joyful sculptures can be found everywhere on the island and became a collection piece and favorite among the tourist attractions and souvenirs.[18][14]

„Ik ben dankbaar dat mijn sculptuur iets betekent voor Curacao."[19] („I am grateful that my sculpture means something to Curacao.") – Serena Israel in an Interview with ArchitectenPunt Interieur

References

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  1. ^ a b c ArchitectenPunt Interieur Volume 4, Edition 7, p.224.
  2. ^ https://www.smb.museum/museen-einrichtungen/gipsformerei/home/
  3. ^ Michael Anthony laat een legende achter Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  4. ^ 2014, Artist Wedding Chichi Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  5. ^ "Interieur 7 | ArchitectenPunt". interieur.architectenpunt.nl. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  6. ^ 2021, Passing away of Michael Anthony Chichi Website.
  7. ^ ArchitectenPunt Interieur Volume 4, Edition 7, p.225.
  8. ^ 2010, A New Business Adventure Chichi Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  9. ^ 2019, The Art factory Team Chichi Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  10. ^ ArchitectenPunt Interieur Volume 4, Edition 7, p.226-227.
  11. ^ 2015, Creating a Platform Chichi Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  12. ^ Curacao National Geographic Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  13. ^ "A Caribbean take on body positivity". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  14. ^ a b BBC: A Caribbean take on body positivity Website BBC (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  15. ^ http://www.seilers-bildgiesserei.de/
  16. ^ More about Seilers Bildgiesserei Chichi Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  17. ^ 2020, Yuchi in Wheelchair/ Chichi dives into the blue Chichi Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  18. ^ Curacao – Ein bisschen Europa und ganz viel Karibik Deutsche Welle Website (last accessed 14 October 2010).
  19. ^ "Interieur 7 | ArchitectenPunt". interieur.architectenpunt.nl. Retrieved 2024-10-14.

Further Sources and Mentions

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Amigoe Curacao: Restauratie Jezusbeeld kerk Groot Kwartier voltooid, p.4 (14.11.2023).

Antilliaans Dagblad: Staten makeneen inhaalslag, p.6 (25.052019).

Coaching': Kunst, creativiteit en ondernemerschap, Volume 16, Edition 2 (2018).

Das Erbe unserer Welt: Audrey Hepburn – Filmstar Stilikone Wohltäterin, p.96 (08.05.2015).

Dolphin FM: 'Zo maak je de bekende Chichi's can Curacao! - Serena's Art Factory, (24.05.2023). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPhXZTl9So0

Insights: Interview Serena Israel, Issue 20, p.10-16 (01.-03.2014).

Länder und Leute: Die Chichi aus Berlin macht das Paradies bunt -Sozialprojekt in der Karibik, Issue 3 p.2 ( 17.01.2015).

Lonley Planet: 7 reasons why Curaçao should be your next Caribbean vacation, (11.08.2021). https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/why-curacao-should-be-next-caribbean-vacation

Ontdek Curacao: Serena Israel: „Chichi is my big sister, my breakthrough...", p.11 (11.09.2014).

Reiseblogger WG: Die Chichi ® Erfinderin im Interview - Serena Janet Israel, (09.09.2020). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HPpILVYvkA

Wilhelmshavener Zeitung: Blickpunkte – Serena und die Chichis, p.33 (30.10.2020).

World Nomads: Respect and renewal: Contemporary Art in Curacao, (19.12.2019). https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/caribbean/contemporary-art-in-curacao

Chichi-Curacao/ Serenas Art Factory Website: https://chichi-curacao.com/factory/

2010, A New Business Adventure: https://chichi-curacao.com/2020/03/16/2010/

2014, Artist Wedding: https://chichi-curacao.com/2020/03/12/2014/

2015, Creating a Platform: https://chichi-curacao.com/2020/03/11/2015/

2019, The Art factory Team: https://chichi-curacao.com/2020/03/07/2019/

2020, Yuchi in Wheelchair, Chichi dives into the blue: https://chichi-curacao.com/2020/03/06/2020/

2021, Passing away of Michael Anthony: https://chichi-curacao.com/2020/03/05/2021/

More about Seilers Bildgiesserei: https://chichi-curacao.com/2023/08/25/seilers-bildgiesserei/

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