The over-road bridge at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is one of Cayman’s most vibrant galleries, with at least four shows per year.
Its 25,000 feet of wall space makes it the largest gallery on the Island and its exhibits feature up to 75 pieces of arts from 10 to 16 artists.
Curator of the gallery and its themed exhibitions is Caymanian artist Chris Christian, who explains the process involved in bringing the talent of a nation to a wider audience.
“There are actually not that many venues that artists can showcase and sell their work. We base shows around themes, which are also designed around the different seasons and clientele.
“Sizes, images, colours are all different by season. For example, in summer people are interested in small cottages, in winter it’s family-related, Valentine’s is romantic and of course at Christmas it’s kids on the beach.”
Progression theme
As an example, the new exhibition which begins on Sunday, 12 February is themed around Progression. Within that resonant word, it’s down to the individual artist to interpret it through their individual approach. It could be changes in the environment, economies or even changes or progression in artists’ own work, such as that of Courtney Platt, says Chris.
“Around three months before the show we contact the artists to work on the theme, which inspires them as a catalyst to get them going. That said, there are certain artists who may be working on a 2012 show from as long ago as 2010.
“New artist Monica Bodden has merged the progress with Cayman cottages and modern structures; showing the older with the new in her first Caymanian showcase. Then there’s Patrick Broderick, whose work ranges from realistic to very abstract contemporary images,” the curator and talented artist explains.
A major part of Chris’ role is to ensure that the pieces are grouped together to utilise the often disparate pieces in a sympathetic flow.
“It can sometimes be a challenge to find complementary work side by side; thinking about what space is needed, what size pieces can be, in order that they transition and complement. It’s about having it visualised and keeping an organised system that is ongoing.”
Non-profit
Of course, the artwork is also generally for sale, so ideally this process is an organic one, with pieces being bought by the clients, which therefore means Chris needing to replace them or rework the flow of the exhibition in order to accommodate the new works that would be shown as a result.
As well as the four or so adult shows per year, there’s also a very popular show young artists between the ages of five and 12 years old who get the chance to participate through the Ambassadors of the Environment programme. These works are not for sale – that’s if the proud parents would even think of allowing that to happen anyway when there’s space on the front of the fridge.
The Gallery at Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Weekender is somewhat surprised and warmed to find, is run on a non-profit basis designed to maximise the exposure and profits local artists receive from their work. For each piece sold, the artists receives 60 per cent, the curator 20 per cent and 20 per cent goes to cover expenses to maintain the exhibits and the opening reception each show has.
Any remaining proceeds go into an escrow account earmarked for the resort’s educational efforts and scholarship funds as part of the resort’s Community Footprints programme.
“We try to find new artists who are inspired from the exposure and will continue with their work,” says Chris.
“This gives a vital opportunity for them to show what they can do. Progression is a constant motion towards one’s ultimate goal. As we progress into this pivotal year of 2012, our artists show they are on that constant journey to their desired achievement through their work. Come and witness their progress.”
The artists in the show include Maria Bodden; Patrick Broderick; Hannah Cook; Courtney Platt; CJ Viggers; Cathy Church; Christel Ibsen; Sue Howe; Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette; Randy Chollette; Mike Seffer; Jim Hellemn; Lorna Griggs; Avril Ward; Al Ebanks.
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