The Cayman Islands have had a double presence at the Atlantic World Art Fair this month, with artist David Bridgeman’s artwork being represented by Black Pony Gallery, and NGCI Director Natalie Urquhart moderating a panel on the “Transformation Impact of Art.”
The Fair, which was founded by Lisa Howie and highlights the work of nine women-led art spaces across the Caribbean, is helping to evaluate the voice of Caribbean art and the diversity of thought and production that is being generated from within the region. Importantly, it raises visibility for the Caribbean art market at a critical moment given the impact of the pandemic on artists and cultural animators – introducing their work to new audiences through the digital platform Artsy.
The panel, which was part of a wider programme, featured artists Meredith Andrews, Rodell Warner Lisandro Suriel, and René Tosari, and was supported by four regional galleries: Black Pony Gallery (Bermuda), Sour Grass (Barbados), TERN Gallery (Bahamas) and Readytex Art Gallery (Suriname), as well as Butterfield. Urquhart led a conversation around the notion of transformation in each of the artist’s work, and particularly the transformative impact that art can have on both maker and viewer. “With the past 18 months creating deep rooted anxiety across all areas of society, art has helped us process uncertainty and encouraged new considerations about self and our place in an uncertain world,” Urquhart said. “We can turn to art for reflection and contemplation, as well as for fresh perspectives on our collective challenges, and a deeper understanding of our times. Each of the panelists approached the topic of transformation in a unique way, ranging from the physical transformation of materials and objects to the retelling – or reclaiming – of complex histories and narratives, – to the transformation of the mundane into the sacred.”
Over the hour-long session, the artists discussed these themes in relation to their practice, as well as commenting on what drives their art-making in this particular moment. The full discussion, along with other Artist Talks from the Atlantic World Art Fair, can be accessed here.
