Sound & Vision
Sounds Familiar
Artist In Residence
2025-2026

Information



Tarona (b. 1985, Curaçao) is a visual artist, film director and educator. Her work focuses on identity, culture and on new ways of being and seeing. She has a deep interest in creating more space for the Black Diaspora and the experiences of people with mixed and multicultural backgrounds. Her mission is to inspire people to fully embrace themselves — in ways that will bring impactful, constructive and postive changes that move across time and generations.
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2025 

25-009The opening
25-008Transmission
25-007Stuart Hall & Hip-Hop
25-006Encyclopedia
25-005Copyright
25-004Sound & Vision Youtube
25-003Archival frequencies
25-002Eugènie Herlaar
25-001Language


Copyright.


What is it, how does it work, and what impact does it have?


I want to explore this in depth during my residency at Sounds Familiar.
I might have to adapt my initial research plan accordingly in order to facilitate this.

I want to take the time to examine the structures and limitations of copyright across different media — film, music, photography, and text — and how these vary by country and continent. More importantly: how does copyright influence my artistic practice? Does it provide space, or does it restrict my freedom as a filmmaker? Copyright not only defines what a work can be but also how I, as a creator, can express myself. This research will help me navigate legal frameworks and enable me to realize my ideas and projects in a sustainable way.

I’m thinking about this now because in 2024, I was invited by an art institute in Rotterdam to exhibit my visual mixtape Subtle Rush - Vol. 2 (Liberty & Dignity).

It was a huge honor and - honestly - a dream come true, but the work consisted entirely of footage that needed to be cleared due to copyright. The time and costs required made this impossible, causing me to miss out on this opportunity; copyright became an obstacle.

This obstacle raises urgent questions for me: What exactly does copyright entail? What are the rules, boundaries, and exceptions? How does it impact my artistic practice? Copyright ultimately determines what a work can become and—more importantly—how it can circulate. Right now, it feels like an impenetrable maze without clear guidelines. Previous discussions I’ve had have shown that these rules exist but are highly dependent on context and interpretation. This is frustrating, creates doubt, and takes much of the joy out of making visual mixtapes — what’s the point of these creating works if they can’t be shown anywhere?

I can confirm that the complexity of copyright is overwhelming. The laws vary by medium, country, and context, and the jargon is difficult to grasp. Additionally, I keep wondering: 

    How is copyright determined?
    Why does it exist? 
    Who is it for, and who makes the rules?

A deep(er) understanding of this is essential before I dive into the archives, as I will undoubtedly face numerous legal hurdles attached to these materials. I want to take the time and space to research this thoroughly and truly grasp it.

Many artists and filmmakers encounter the same problems. By delving into this subject, I can not only strengthen my own work, but also help others navigate this complex matter. Visibility of a work, and therefor an artist, often begins with the rules and systems that define what is even possible. 


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25-005
Text, Image
17-02-2025