Convento São Francisco de Mértola
Geraldine Zwanikken
Perhaps, Geraldine Zwanikken´s uncompromising determination of spirit was spawned in the Japanese internment camp in Indonesia, Where she was born of Dutch parentage. Indecision and survival are not complimentary and thus, it was that from earliest childhood, Geraldine Knew she would be a dancer, even as she played childish games among the piles of exquisite materials in downtown Djakarta´s cloth markets (Where incidentally, she developed the discerning eye of the artist she was to become). Back in her native Holland, she did study dance and joined the renowned Dutch National-Ballet Company. However, amidst a successful career with the troupe, she was overwhelmed by the creative limitations of movement; the use of the body in natural and emotional ways of expression. She established herself as a solo artist, but again, at the height of success, turned to search for a broader and more meaningful, creative life. So, with her husband Kees and two sons (Christian and Louis), at last arrived in Portugal. There they learned a new language and single-handedly rebuilt the ruins of an ancient Franciscan Convent in the remote and historical village of Mertola, perched high above the Guadiana River, deep in the Alentejo next to Spain.
Geraldine has established courses of creative activity involving movement, dance, yoga, health awareness and consciousness expansion that have attracted individuals of all disciplines and nationalities. The Medieval church has become an arena for experimental dance performances and a gallery Atelier for Geraldine´s exciting and innovative explorations into the word of visual art.
Written By Trevor Hellems
