New National Gallery book offers an overview of Cayman Islands’ art
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) has released a beautiful fine art publication which offers the first comprehensive survey of visual art in the Cayman Islands, as seen through highlights from the NGCI’s permanent collection. The book, entitled The Art of The Cayman Islands – A Journey Through the National Gallery Collection, is fully illustrated with works by over seventy local artists with accompanying essays, artwork descriptions and artist biographies.
The publication traces a historical and stylistic journey that begins with the visionary markings of intuitive artists such as Gladwyn ‘Miss Lassie’ Bush, and moves on to the work of the early realist painters who sought to capture the picturesque tropical island paradise before concluding with the more critically engaged, multi-disciplinary work that the islands’ contemporary artists are generating. This overview, which also functions as the gallery’s first collection guide, features essays on the history of art and the story of the National Gallery and its Permanent Collection.
Published by Scala Arts Publishers, Inc. who specialise in producing books for museums, galleries, libraries and heritage organisations around the world, the book has been written and developed by NGCI Director and Chief Curator, Natalie Urquhart and made possible with the support of NGCI Chairperson, Susan A. Olde, OBE. It has been designed to appeal to a wide range of readers, from those already familiar with Cayman Islands visual art and cultural heritage, to newcomers to the Island and art scene, and to schools students across the Cayman Islands. “One of our main motivations for developing this guide was to help connect students to their cultural history, as well as the works of art in the NGCI’s collection. The artwork tells this story through beautiful depictions of maritime heritage; thatch and craft work; our architectural history and the natural environment; and more recently, works which explore some of the more challenging social and economic concerns effecting our community today. Combined with online teaching resources that will be available for download on our new website, we hope it will serve as an invaluable teaching tool for schools across all three islands,” says Mrs Urquhart.
Accordingly, NGCI will be distributing free copies of the publication to all schools, libraries, and youth centres across the Cayman Islands furthering accessibility to arts education, and the NGCI Permanent Collection. Ms. Olde notes, “Through informative essays and stunning colour plates, the book serves as a celebration of the National Gallery’s own story thus far, highlighting the integral role that NGCI continues to play in the development of art education and fine art for everyone throughout our islands. We hope that it will inspire readers and give them the occasion to embrace the Gallery and the collection anew.”
The publication marks a first for the National Galley and a beginning of a journey for further publications and research on the culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands. Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, expressed congratulations to the National Gallery, “for this historical collection, which features more than seventy artists and will serve as a wonderful resource for all.” The Honourable Tara Rivers, Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs added that, “the collections guide and art history survey book will undoubtedly prove to be a great resource for schools and should inspire our next generation of Caymanian artists.”
All reproduction rights for the publication have been donated by the author and by the featured artists enabling 100% of proceeds from sales to go towards collections development and related education initiatives. This book can be purchased for KYD$35 / US$43.75 directly from the National Gallery store. Bulk orders can be ordered via the NGCI Retail Department at events@nationalgallery.org.ky. A discount will apply to orders of 20 books or more.
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HOW TO ORDER
This book can be purchased directly from the NGCI Store. Bulk orders and corporate Christmas gifts can be ordered in advance via the NGCI Retail Dept. at events@nationalgallery.org.ky. A discount will apply to orders of 20+ books. All proceeds of this publication will support NGCI collections development and education.
ENDORSEMENTS
“I am proud to endorse this first highlight of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, which reflects the rich culture and talent of our people, from the visionary markings of Miss Lassie to the more contemporary works being generated today. I congratulate the National Gallery for this historical collection, which features more than 70 artists and will serve as a wonderful resource for all.” Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA
“Congratulations to the staff at NGCI for this excellent work. The collections guide and art history survey book will undoubtedly prove to be a great resource for schools and should inspire our next generation of Caymanian artists.” Honourable Tara Rivers, JP, MLA, Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs
“The Art of the Cayman Islands is both a fascinating visual journey and an invaluable record of art history. The contribution of Natalie Urquhart and the NGCI to the cultural development of Cayman cannot be overstated, and we are proud supporters of their work, art and educational programmes.” Milly Serpell, Managing Director, SteppingStones Recruitment Ltd.
“This guide offers an introduction to the story of Caymanian visual arts and serves as an important educational resource for all ages. Through informative essays and stunning colour plates, it also serves as a celebration of the organisation’s own story thus far, highlighting the integral role that NGCI continues to play in the development of art education and fine art for everyone throughout our islands. We hope that it will inspire readers and give them the occasion to embrace the gallery and the collection anew.” Susan A. Olde, OBE, Chairperson, National Gallery of the Cayman Islands