Untitled (Tortoise)
A symbol of wisdom and constancy, this pen and ink drawing pays homage to the tortoise or turtle – a prominent symbol in the artist’s 2021 solo show, Unstoppable Steps, a National symbol of our Islands, centrepiece of our coat of arms, and the creature which gave Cayman its original name, Las Tortugas. Paying tribute to both his Cuban and Caymanian connections, this drawing forms part of a series of preparatory studies documenting the shared beauty and history abundant in the artist’s twin homelands.
About the Artist
Yonier Powery
Yonier Powery Serrano was born on the Isle of Youth, Cuba. Commencing his artistic studies in 1999, he joined the workshop of renowned artist Agustin Villafaña before moving to Wilfredo Lam’s Professional Academy of Visual Arts in the Isle of Youth. There he learned to master a wide range of techniques, from drawing and painting to ceramics and sculpture. A strong theme in the artist’s contemporary style is bridging fantasy and reality, often taking influence from the sea. Moving to Grand Cayman in 2010, Powery has since featured in numerous exhibitions, including solo shows at AwardArt gallery in 2018 and 2020, as well as in the NGCI exhibitions Cross Currents – 1st Cayman Islands Biennial (2019), and Reimagined Futures – 2nd Cayman Islands Biennial (2021).
