Cayman exhibits with some leading artists
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from January 2003.
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The art fair, perennially one of Miami's most anticipated cultural highlights, is renowned for championing the work of undiscovered artists. This year it widened its appeal by including galleries from previously underrepresented countries including the Cayman Islands, Russia, Israel and Poland.
Art Miami director Ilana Vardy commented, "Art Miami's appeal to exhibitors, as well as collectors, lies in this carefully crafted balance of newcomers and established galleries that we present each year.
"Gallery owners who have taken part in the past know their market, and return each year, confident of their track record with this show.
"Meanwhile, we continually attract new exhibitors, who are enticed by the promise of an informed collecting audience that has proven receptive to emerging work. All in all, it creates the optimum opportunity for collectors, from performance art to ceramics; from sculpture to video."
KLFA was one of over 60 galleries from 32 countries exhibiting along with Miami's most important cultural institutions and 20 international art publications and Internet sites. Eight Cayman-based artists were represented through the gallery and owner Paul Jordison was pleased with the results.
"For the first time we have been able to exhibit collectively abroad, promoting our islands as a destination with a vibrant cultural heritage and diverse talent in the arts. "Look around, there are Warhols hanging here, Chagalls and Miros. You have top class artists; emerging artists and we have been accepted amongst them. The art world is starting to change and Cayman can consider themselves part of that now."
The exhibitors were chosen from the gallery's family of artists and included Charles Long, Al Ebanks, Wray Banker, Paul Jordison, Ting, Saba (all attending the exhibit), Bendel Hydes, Karoly Szucs and Better Lubbert. "In putting our collection together I tried to create a diverse group of art that represented a true cross section of styles that are emerging in Cayman.
"We had to be careful because the gallery itself is acting as a representation of the Cayman Islands particularly to those Art Miami visitors that have never visited the islands before.
"We ended up by including different artists that focus on different aspects of our culture and heritage. For example Bendel Hydes' work captures the water, air and atmosphere of the islands. Al Ebanks reflects the people and CONT'D ON PAGE A14 activities of the island albeit through vibrant abstract forms.
"Charles Long's painting portrays the laidback aspect of life in the island, which he captures in a very distinct naïve style. Saba's subjects reflect the historical aspect of our community capturing our multicultural heritage. Wray Banker focuses on our culture and pastimes, always incorporating an element of humour into his work.
"Better Lubbert uses the physical aspects of the islands, the geography in her exquisite sculptures, her process itself reflects an amalgamation of the four elements and Ting's Tiffany style captures the affluence of the island as well as the dreamy nights where anything is possible. "So essentially we have tried to bring every aspect of our culture here in order to give a true representation of Cayman."
In securing a corner position on one of the main walkways KLFA ensured that visitors were met with a blaze of colour and Caribbean flavour.
Favourable feedback
The reactions from visitors and fellow artists were extremely encouraging. "We are really impressed by the diversity of work on display and think the show is beautiful," exclaimed a couple from Denmark with similar sentiments being echoed by a With similar sentiments being expressed by a connoisseur Miami based Latin American art collector.
"They (KLFA) had one of the most original displays in the fair, I particularly loved the glass sculpture and Al Ebank's work."
"We have had a lot of positive feedback about that so far," said Ting. "People love the humour in Wray's work they are drawn to the colours in Saba and Al's; they love the simplicity in Charles work and the simple romance in Karoly's piece."
A couple from New York commented "We always thought of the Cayman Islands as a tax haven and after seeing the level of talent on display here we are definitely interested in visiting and finding out more. We have seen a different side and are intrigued."
All of the artists in attendance were encouraged to have had the chance to dispel some of the myths surrounding Caymanian culture and talent. "Being here has helped educate a lot of people about our true talent and potential," agreed Mr. Jordison.
"People now know that the Cayman Islands do create world class original works of art and that we have a very distinctive flair, talented group of local and resident artists in the islands.
"I think it was long overdue for established and emerging Caymanian art to be recognised on an international level... As far as exposure goes you can't beat this both for the individual artists and the islands as a whole."
"You can't come away from an event like this without being motivated," offered Wray. "Exhibiting at an international art fair of this calibre brings you up to a higher level as an artist." Ting agreed, "You have to keep improving yourself, you are always challenging yourself and a show like this confirms that".
