The ‘Under the Same Sun’ exhibition, currently on display at the Mind’s Eye Centre on South Sound Road, captivates on many levels.
Not only does it showcase the talents of Cayman’s youth in an iconic setting, but it also provides an intriguing glimpse into how young creatives see themselves, Cayman and the changing world.
The exhibition “highlights the imagination, talent, and perspectives of the next generation of Cayman’s visual artists”, said the Cayman National Cultural Foundation in a press release issued on its behalf.
Presented in partnership between the National Cultural Foundation and the Department of Education Services, the exhibition was co-curated by John Reno Jackson and Rory Marchant-Kelly, who reviewed some 120 submissions from 15 schools in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, narrowing them down to the work of 41 students from eight schools.
Jackson said, “Under the Same Sun was curated as a shared space for multiple forms of expression, where each work not only stands on its own, but also interacts in dialogue with others across ages, materials and perspectives. Each artist brings a unique background, yet all are exploring what it means to see and be seen.”
He also said that as they reviewed the submissions, they worked to find the collective voice of the students, whose ages ranged from 6 to 18 years old.
One of the key moments of success for Jackson at the opening was seeing how the exhibit impacted the students and their parents when they saw the works professionally curated and presented in the space.
“A goal was to show the students’ work at a high enough level that really helped them prepare, but also to visualise themselves as artists,” he said. “Parents when they came in were saying things like ‘Wow, I can understand why my daughter or son wants to do this as a career.’ It was an incredible moment to see.”
The range of pieces is impressive as well. The exhibit includes paintings, graphite drawings, sculptures and even a handmade, knitted skirt.
Some pieces leap out or challenge the viewer, such as pencil drawings of faces that clearly show the emotions of a young person. A realistic painting shows a teenage girl gazing towards the viewer from inside a bubble, conveying an otherworldliness but also the sense that she is being shielded from experiencing the world as it really is.
A detailed sketch showing a young person with a gas mask on holding a tired-looking plant in front of him – not unlike something seen in a Mad Max film – could be a commentary on the potential future of Cayman’s environment or perhaps something more sci-fi related.
Elements of nature are depicted as well, including a small painting of a dove with beautiful white stitched wings taking it to flight. The lifecycle of monarch butterfly is displayed – from cocoon to its beautiful wings spread – in a series of three pieces. A tiger peers out from behind jigsaw puzzle pieces, ready to pounce. A green iguana perches on top of a leafy branch and offers a solemn view.
Groups of delightful drawings dot the walls, each one in turn charming, intriguing or offing an unexpected commentary on the world, even from very young artists. Sculptures including an elephant and dragon-like creature can be found.
Every piece is presented with care. They are in good company too; Miss Lassie’s work is also showcased within the same space.
Foundation director Rosie Twohey said, “This year’s exhibition highlights the remarkable talent of Cayman’s secondary school students and CNCF is proud to present such a dynamic and thoughtfully curated show at the Mind’s Eye Centre. We look forward to seeing how these young artists continue to develop.”
Tammy Hopkins, deputy director for the Department of Education Services, said, “The creativity demonstrated by our students is inspiring and we remain committed to expanding opportunities in the arts and strengthening this collaboration in the years ahead.”
The exhibition is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10am-2pm at the Mind’s Eye Centre, behind Miss Lassie’s House, until 31 May.
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