Chichi Curacao Workshop
Posted on August 8, 2023
Never heard of a Chichi? Neither did we before we went to Curaçao. The Chichi can be described as a sensual and well-formed Caribbean female figure. She represents, in the form of a statue, the lively, dynamic and, above all, responsible older sister. The Chichi is handmade by locals and you will find them in the most cheerful colors. In Serena's Art Factory you can follow the Chichi Curaçao Workshop to make your own Chichi. Read all the ins and outs in this blog.
The origin of the Chichi
Chichi, the sensual and beautifully shaped Caribbean figure, has its origins in Curaçao. With her name meaning 'big sister' in Papiamentu, a Chichi brings out a loving and caring family mentality. In the larger Caribbean families of the past, the older sister was always there for the younger brothers and sisters, helping father and mother!
The figurines are handmade and painted with bright Caribbean colors by local Curaçao women. Although rooted in Caribbean culture, Chichi was created by Berlin-born artist Serena Janet Israel.
The Walk-In Workshop
Artist Serena Janet Israel started Serena's Act Factory in 2010 and since 2014 it has been possible to paint your own Chichi. Chichi Curacao Walk-in Workshops are given on Tuesday and Saturday mornings! Make sure you arrive on time because there are a maximum of 40 spots available. Walk-in time is between nine and half past ten, but we recommend that you be there before nine o'clock. For example, the first time we arrived at a quarter past nine, we were already really late and there was no place available. A shame because it is still quite a ride from Willemstad.
After everyone has found a spot, choose a sculpture you want to paint. This can be a Chichi, but there is also a choice of other figurines. In addition, the images also vary in size. After your choice, there will be an explanation about the Chichi's and what the do's and don'ts are for painting your statue. Then you get to work and have up to twelve hours to paint your Chichi.
The cost of the workshop is 20 NAF per person. The costs for the Chichi you choose will be added to this. These vary from 48 NAF for a small Chichi to 148 NAF for a medium Chichi. You pay for your sculpture after the workshop and they package it extra well in the store. We experienced the workshop as an incredibly fun and varied activity during our stay on Curaçao.
A Chichi as a souvenir
Don't have time to paint a Chichi or don't consider yourself a Picasso? Of course there are Chichi's for sale that are made and painted by the local community. You will find a store next to the factory or in the Punda district in Willemstad. See the addresses here .
