Picking Breadfruit
Breadfruit has been a mainstay of the Caymanian diet for centuries. In this image, inspired by a photograph from the Cayman Islands National Archives, Barwick captures a typical Caymanian family, imagined circa 1930, gathering breadfruit for sustenance and using the ubiquitous silver thatch basket for “backing” (carrying) produce home. The tropical palette and flat, decorative style are typical of her work of this period.
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).
