Exhibition
Inspired by the Cayman Islands’ ancient mangrove habitat, Tangled World explores the tensions at play within this captivating terrestrial landscape, as well as its profound environmental and cultural significance. As the ecological heart of our island, mangroves protect, sustain, and facilitate the flourishing of life and human habitation in Cayman. While these unique saltwater forests filter seawater and cool the air, they also serve as a sanctuary for countless species, including juvenile reef fish, land crabs, and migratory and endemic birds.
Mangrove forests shield us from the destructive effects of hurricanes and, by capturing vast amounts of carbon, play a vital role in the battle against global climate change. In just 50 years, half of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost due to coastal development, agriculture, commercial fish farming, and pollution. Since 1976, 3,900 acres of Cayman’s mangroves have been destroyed, with what survives under increasing threat. Despite this accelerated destruction, Grand Cayman is still home to one of the largest contiguous mangrove forests in the Caribbean basin. Alarmingly, however, most of what remains is unprotected.
Through painting, installation, ceramics and video, Tangled World celebrates the ‘ugly beauty’ of the beguiling yet often unappreciated mangrove swamp. Beyond the confines of the gallery, the artists also seek to encourage opportunities for visitors to experience firsthand the complexity of these fragile ecosystems. It is their sincere hope that this exhibition opens a window to new perspectives, through which visitors come away with a more tangible sense of connection with this precious resource that is all but integral to our very survival.
Babbity Barwick & Linda McCann
NGCI Curatorial Team