Ateliers ’89 had an exhibition of murals and usually, it is held at their art studio, but this time, it was held outdoors. Participants were given the task to paint a mural on the side of a store; however, one participant, Daniela Velasco, had hers removed. This was because she failed to follow the stipulation that nothing religious could be put up.
Romelina Maldonado, an instructor at Ateliers ’89, indicated that they held the exhibition outdoors and had to ask for permission to use the walls. They approached the owner of the business, who is Hindu. Ateliers ’89 stands for contemporary art and does not promote religious matters, out of respect for the Hindu owners as well, this was clearly stated to all participants.
From the outset, participants were informed that the message could be positive, it could be about God, but in its own way. This could have been in a poem referring to the Creator, as every religion has a Creator, but not specifically in Christianity or Catholicism out of respect.
According to Maldonado, Ateliers ’98 did not advise Daniela to cover the art in white. Daniela’s mural had the word “Grace” written on it, and it was something positive. It was suggested to the participant that she could use Papiamento since she had a painted parakeet with a flower, which is something local. They even made suggestions on how to present it by simply leaving out the religious aspect, out of respect for the owner.
