EXHIBITION SYNOPSIS

As a critical term, ‘Pop’ is closely associated with the namesake art movement that rose to prominence in the early 1960s, producing some of the best-known works of twentieth-century art defined by the mundane copying and ironic appropriation of the subjects, materials, and everyday imagery of popular culture.

With this in mind, Pop and the Popular examines recent developments in contemporary Caymanian art, identifying key traits and thematic connections in the work of artists who demonstrate an affinity with the stylistic characteristics and subject matter typically associated with a Pop art aesthetic. In drawing these threads of connection between diverse artists working in a variety of media, the exhibition seeks to map the conditions of a distinctly Caymanian expression of ‘Pop’ rooted in the visual landscape of contemporary Cayman: vibrant, saturated colours; the use of reclaimed and recycled materials; the clash of the old and the new, and the erosion of cultural traditions in the face of globalisation and the homogenising influence of American consumer culture. The use of parody and humour, as well as the inherent potential for commentary on contemporary socio-political issues, have likewise both emerged as defining aspects of this prevailing aesthetic tendency.

While seeking to define the characteristics of this emergent trend, Pop and the Popular also looks to address questions of personal and collective identity by examining the ways in which artists explore their conception of self through their identification with culture both locally and globally, acknowledging the ways in which identity is ultimately mediated and shaped by broader, transcultural trends.

Submissions should address or engage in some way with the theme and subject matter of this exhibition synopsis, including (but not limited to) the following:

  1. Mass consumerism, commercial imagery, and the iconography of popular culture;
  2. The use of non-traditional fabrication techniques, including recycled or reclaimed materials;
  3. The clash of the old and the new and the erosion of cultural traditions;
  4. Parody, humour, and critique in relation to current socio-political issues;
  5. Aspects of personal and collective identity as they relate to culture, both locally and globally;
  6. The multiple meanings of ‘Pop’ in the digital age of globalisation and social media;
  7. The distinctions and similarities between ‘Pop’ and ‘Popular’ art as aesthetic concepts

Contemporary work in a wide variety of media will be considered, from painting and sculpture to artists working within related fields and practices including collage, mixed media installation, assemblage and recycled art.

Selected artwork will feature in a four-month-long exhibition in the National Gallery’s Lower Exhibition Hall.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

This exhibition is open to residents in the Cayman Islands or artists of the Caymanian diaspora. Artists are invited to submit photos of work (or work concept drawings/photos), with an accompanying artist’s statement relating the work to the exhibition synopsis. This should be provided in electronic format only and directed to the attention of the curator at collections@nationalgallery.org.ky by Friday, 12 August. A maximum of three works per artist will be considered. Submissions must be accompanied by*:

  1. Artist biography (150 words max) and headshot
  2. High-resolution image of the proposed work (minimum 2MB)
  3. Artist Statement/Artwork information (title, date, medium, size and a description of 200 words or less)
  4. Any special installation instructions
  5. Link to your website if applicable

[*NGCI curatorial staff are available to assist you with the development of the above material as required.]

All complete submissions received by the above deadline will be reviewed by the exhibition’s curator and the NGCI curatorial team. Successful applicants will be notified by email no later than Friday, 19 August 2022. Final artwork needs to be delivered to the NGCI site on or before Friday, 07 October 2022. The exhibition will run from Friday, 13 October 2022 until 3 February 2023.

First time submitting to an open call? Curator Kerri-Anne Chisholm shares the best practices for submitting your work to a gallery open-call in NGCI’s Business of Art Series. From artist statements and bios to conceptual drawings, learn what elements you need to professionally pitch your work to an exhibition space, here.

For more information email collections@nationalgallery.org.ky.

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