Gallery goes cutting edge with au courant
Cayman Compass
Cutting edge, avant garde artwork will be on show at the National Gallery’s latest exhibition, au courant, scheduled to open to the public 13 October.
Au courant will showcase the work of eight highly respected international artists – Carlos Betancourt, Glexis Novoa, Peter Sarkisian, Raymond Saá, John Salvest, Teresa Diehl, Kianga Ford, Satoshi Ohno – as well as local artists Aston Ebanks and Bendel Hydes. The artists were selected by NG director and curator Nancy Barnard and represent some of her favourite from international art shows such as Art Basel and Art Miami over the last year.
A total of 11 artworks will be on display at the show, from film and painting to installation and assemblage work.
The show represents a departure from the gallery’s exhibitions which frequently have a heavy Caymanian emphasis.
‘We try to inject some international art every couple of years,’ Ms Barnard said.
Au courant is probably, Ms Barnard said, one of the most adventurous shows the gallery has put on to date.
‘This is going to be a very funky show with very cutting edge artwork,’ she said. ‘There will be a lot of installation and assemblage art as well as a small number of 2D pieces and video art
‘There is no set theme – it will really make people stop and think. The artwork will likely puzzle, challenge, provoke and amuse its viewers.’
One of the largest challenges for the gallery has been cost.
‘A show with several international artists means heavier shipping and travel costs than normal,’ said Ms Barnard.
Other challenges include language barriers – artist Satoshi Ohno, from Japan, speaks little English – however, Ms Barnard is confident this will be overcome.
Ms Barnard said that she hopes the show will demonstrate the gallery’s ability to curate an exciting exhibition of international artists, as well as giving the public an opportunity to learn about and keep current with the various art forms at the forefront of the art world.
The artists all come from vastly different backgrounds and work in varied settings around the globe – from Japan to the US. This medley will no doubt make for a truly exciting show.
‘I really want everyone to try to make it to the National Gallery during au courant’s run to really interact with this show, to see what art can do with those who experience it,’ Ms Barnard said.
Au courant opens to the public 13 October and runs through 25 January.