In 2014, Aruban artist Elvis Tromp accepted a commission from the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) to create a mural at the entrance of San Nicolas. The mission was much more than just painting a wall: the mural had to represent hospitality, friendliness, and the dedication of the Aruban people to tourism. Elvis saw the work as a way to give back to the people—a contribution of his talent to an island whose hospitality and friendliness are among the strong points that make Aruba different in the region. The idea behind the mural was to showcase the exact qualities Aruba is known for. For Elvis, hospitality is something that lives within our people and is part of what helps Aruba grow as a tourist destination.
To create the design, Elvis did not copy an existing image. He started from scratch, working through sketch after sketch until the concept became the mural known today at the entrance of San Nicolas, Sunrise City. The mural tells different aspects of San Nicolas and Aruba. In the artwork, you see our island’s landscape, cacti and hills, tourists exploring with a map in hand, and moments of hospitality where someone shares something with a tourist. There is also a seascape scene that reinforces the connection between Aruba, tourism, and hospitality. But for Elvis, the mural was also a way to put San Nicolas on the map. When Elvis Tromp was painting the mural, San Nicolas had very few artistic walls. During the process, many people stopped to watch and expressed their joy at finally having something beautiful and different on the street. The mural became a point of interest for Sunrise City. Tourists and locals began stopping to take pictures in front of it. For Elvis, that was proof that the mural was fulfilling its purpose: bringing attention to San Nicolas, showcasing its identity, and giving visitors a glimpse into the hospitality and culture of Sunrise City.
12 years later
After more than a decade, Elvis Tromp encounters his artwork once again. The mural Elvis created in 2014 is now receiving a touch-up thanks, once more, to the contribution of the ATA, driven by the Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, Wendrick Cicilia. The initiative fits perfectly into Prime Minister Mike Eman’s vision to revitalize the houses on Bernhardstraat in San Nicolas. For the artist, this has special significance. During the work, Elvis notices that many people are stopping once again to observe the mural, take photos, and comment on the piece. Although the mural was in need of attention, the reaction from the public and visitors shows that the artwork has never lost its importance.
Now it is getting its life back. For Elvis, the moment is also a confirmation of something that was in the original idea of the mural: hospitality, community, and the pride of San Nicolas. The mural that was born 12 years ago as a gift to the people is now receiving new colors from the very artist who dreamed it, designed it, and painted it.
