To celebrate Cayman’s environment, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands has launched an inaugural exhibition in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac: ‘Art of Nature: Flora and Fauna of the Cayman Islands’.
This exhibition is unique in that it explores the “enduring appeal of nature as a subject of continued inspiration for generations of local artists”, the gallery said in a recent press release.
The pieces have been drawn entirely from the National Collection at the National Gallery.
Collections Curator of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, William Helfrecht, said, “The exhibition is in essence an homage to nature, reminding viewers to appreciate the remarkable sights and overlooked details that surround us, while also sending an importance message about the necessity of preserving Cayman’s fragile ecosystems and native wildlife that are increasingly under threat.”
In Grand Cayman, Art of Nature was recently installed in the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ Dart Auditorium Community Gallery. This larger of the two presentations features paintings, photography, watercolour and ceramic sculptures that demonstrate the variety of ways in which artists have documented, researched and celebrated Cayman’s rich assortment of flora and fauna.
The pieces span from pioneering Caymanian artists, such as Edrid Banks Jr. and Charles Long, through to the 1980s’ abstractions of Bendel Hydes’ iconic Tropical Plant series – thus encompassing the stylistic eclecticism of Cayman’s early art scene. The exhibit also includes contemporary abstract works by Linda McCann and Chris Mann.
Visitors to National Gallery can also take a stroll through the sculpture garden, which enables them to view firsthand examples of native birds and endemic plant species.
The artwork shown at Cayman Brac’s Heritage House focuses more on watercolour and botanical studies by several artists who were associated with the development of the Visual Arts Society, such as from Lorna Griggs, Moira Abbott, Maureen Andersen Berry and Debbie Chase van der Bol.
Cayman Brac Heritage House Programme Manager Saskia Edwards said, “Both organisations share a deep affinity for preserving Caymanian culture and heritage, as well as a commitment to raising awareness around the need for environmental protection and sustainability.”
Edwards added, “This exhibition is especially fitting for Cayman Brac audiences, where enjoyment of the outdoors and engagement with nature is a much-loved aspect of residents’ daily lives.”
The Art of Nature: Flora and Fauna of the Cayman Islands is on view at Cayman Brac Heritage House until 30 June and at the Dart Auditorium Gallery at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands until 15 May.
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