Native Sons

The Native Sons are a group of Caymanian artists who are recognised as among the most respected and prolific creators in the Cayman Islands. Dating back to 1996, when Wray Banker, Al Ebanks, and Miguel Powery first exhibited together at Government House, the group formalised in 2001 and grew to include Nasaria Suckoo Chollette, Gordon Solomon, Randy Chollette, Chris Christian, Nickola McCoy Snell, and Horacio Esteban. In the years since members have continued to exhibit both collectively and solo, on the Island and abroad.

While stylistically individual, the Native Sons’ combining principle is the promotion of a uniquely Caymanian aesthetic inspired by heritage and socio-cultural experiences.  The artworks selected for this exhibition represented a 20-year survey, reflecting the 20 years since the group’s inauguration. It was a diverse body of work, executed through a wide variety of genres — from realism and impressionism to abstract and conceptual art — signifying that while these artists share a collective ideal, their artistic vision remained truly unique.

Throughout the exhibition, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands hosted special workshops with the artists, lectures, panel discussions, family events, and more.