Grontapu na asitere (2024)

The sculpture Grontapu na asitere is inspired by Dr. Sophie Redmond (1907 – 1955). Redmond graduated in 1935 as the first black female doctor in the Dutch Kingdom, in late colonial Suriname. She was known to be the Afro-Surinamese cycling doctor who often wore a traditional Surinamese koto. In her general practice she often treated poor patients for free. She also had a radio show where she gave advice on physical ailments, family and marital problems, financial concerns and household issues. She did this in Sranantongo (the Surinamese lingua franca), which was seen as an inferior language at the time. Redmond also made theater plays, in which she sometimes acted while focusing on Afro-Surinamese people. In these works she highlighted and criticized colonial Suriname at a time when many did not dare to do so – due to the still present Dutch colonial government.
Redmond believed that Afro-Surinamese people should be proud of their Afro-Surinamese culture. This vision forms the basis of all Linger’s artworks. The objects of the sculpture are inspired by Redmond’s life. The rooster represents the Surinamese odo (saying) “Mi na kakafowru, krown de na mi ede”. It’s about maintaining pride despite what others do to you.