Coral Reef by Night
Barwick’s keen interest in ecology and wildlife, along with her remarkable sense of colour, create a unique vision of the Cayman Islands’ underwater environment. In a period dominated by Realist painters, her highly decorative style became iconic when it was reproduced in poster format and in merchandising across the Islands. The series included several variations, depicting the reef in both sunlight and moonlight, but Coral Reef by Night is perhaps the most recognisable.
About the Artist
Jan Barwick
b. 1953
Jan Barwick was born in New Zealand and spent her childhood in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Malawi before becoming a resident of the Cayman Islands. She studied at Hornsey College of Art, London, and the Fine Arts Faculty of Florida State University. She was highly prolific through the late 1980s and early 1990s before relocating to France. Travel, a keen interest in ecology and wildlife, and an exceptional colour sense combine to make her a painter of unique vision. Known for their iconic subject matter and bright colour palette, many of her paintings have been used in the production and merchandising of decorative household objects. NGCI exhibitions include All Access (2015) and Tropical Visions (2019).
