Cayman art spanning the past four decades is on show at the National Gallery’s latest exhibition.
‘Cayman: An Ever-changing Landscape,’ features 32 pieces from the private collections of the National Gallery, National Museum and the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, collectively known as the National Collection.
Curated by Natalie Coleman, the exhibition examines how Cayman’s landscape has changed over the past few decades and traces the development of nature in Caymanian art. The show gives a fascinating insight into the rapid development of art in Cayman, from early day figurative paintings, to modern-day abstract works, with some pieces examining a wider social commentary.
Artists include: Charles Long, Jan Barwick, Maureen Anderson, Miguel Powery, Randy Chollette and Nickola McCoy. Paintings on display run the gamut from pop art, expressionism and cubism and include a wide range of mediums.
The show is easy to navigate, split into three main areas and spread across three rooms. The first area groups the earlier work of the collection together in Room 1. The oldest piece, by Faith Ross, dates back to 1963. From the National Museum’s collection the oil on canvas shows Fort George, prior to the development of the waterfront area.
‘This was the time that Cayman’s art scene really began to develop,’ explained Ms Coleman.
‘The artwork (in Room 1) features mostly figurative landscapes as this was an area many of the earlier artists were interested in.
‘It was very much amateur artwork and mostly done by expats. Art in Cayman really began to develop at the same time as the economy.
‘The Visual Arts Society was one of the first art groups and really set the climate for art to flourish in Cayman,’ she said.
On show are realistic depictions of significant local landmarks, including Pedro Castle prior to its refurbishment, as well as the old Islander Nightclub, picturesque beach scenes and images of day-to-day life, giving a fascinating glimpse into a time gone by.
‘They offer a nostalgic view of the islands,’ Ms Coleman said. ‘However, they are noticeably devoid of socio-political content.’
Room 2 features work by Charles Long, Joanne Sibley, Miguel Powery, Bendel Hydes and Gladwyn Bush, or Miss Lassie as she is affectionately known.
The artwork represents a move towards more heavily stylised and abstracted imagery, while still incorporating landscape scenes.
Miss Lassie’s paintings stand out in particular, using landscape images to present mystical visions and religious insights.
Commenting on the decision to include Miss Lassie’s work, Ms Coleman said it would be unthinkable to have a National Collection overview without her work.
‘Mis Lassie is one of the two pillars of Cayman art, along with Bendel Hydes.’
Artwork in the third room focuses heavily on social commentary, examining issues such as rapid urban development, the environment, the increase in tourism over the decades, as well as cultural diversity and identity.
Chris Mann’s 2005 painting, Red Mangroves, brings to the forefront environmental issues, and explores the destruction of Cayman’s mangroves, while David Bridgeman’s Rain Gauge – donated to the National Collection last month – is inspired by Cayman’s Red Birch Trees and highlights the rapid destruction of Cayman’s natural environment.
Wray Banker’s 1999 painting, from the Ode to Milo series, explores a small part of Caymanian culture; Milo the popular Caribbean beverage.
The National Collection contains some 500 paintings. When asked how the 32 artworks were selected, Ms Coleman explained that they were narrowed down by themes.
‘There are so many themes in the National Collection, so rather than picking out pieces based on what we personally liked, or had iconic status in Cayman, we picked a theme and hooked the paintings around that.’
Commenting on what the curator hopes visitors will glean from the show, Ms Coleman said she hoped it would bring issues such as rapid cultural and physical development of the islands to the forefront of people’s minds.
‘Having viewed the 40-year span of works depicting a rapidly changing Caymanian environment, we hope to promote a dialogue amongst viewers relating to issues such as the rapid cultural and physical development of the islands, and the survival of heritage and identity in an increasingly globalised society.’
The exhibition runs until 24 August. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, Saturday, 11am to 4pm. The National Gallery is located at Harbour Place on South Church Street. Call 945-8111.
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