A partnership taking flight

Most folks old enough to remember the former Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) terminal agree that the upgraded facility is a massive improvement both aesthetically and where functionality is concerned.

And while few would argue that the airport’s large-scale renovation continues to make a positive impact on the enjoyment of its users, many hail the hub’s smaller details for giving it a finer and more creative touch.

A collaboration between the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, local artists and Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) has been partly responsible for this.

In 2011, the NAGB took on the responsibility of filling the new airport wing with local art and crafts, complementing the many vendors offering travelers tasteful gifts to take away with them. Perhaps, en route to the immigration and customs halls, travelers may have noticed a succession of display cases filled with paintings, sketches and ceramic works. Those paying closer attention might have taken a look at the labels identifying the works and their creators – all Bahamian artists and artisans. The hope is that the project will benefit both the individual artists, who receive a stipend as well as international exposure, and anyone interested in the country’s arts and culture community.

According to Jan Knowles, NAD vice president of marketing and communications, LPIA hosted over 3 million travelers between July 2014 and July 2015.

“The project offers potential artists the opportunity to display their work to this wide audience of travelers,” she explained. “We want to see artists succeed in a tangible way. As such we have created special spaces to not only display art but we also give particular attention to profiling the artist.”

Every six months to a year, NAGB curatorial staff exchange the works in the showcases for fresh pieces. The recently updated spaces now feature works by ceramicists Rhojai Burrows, Celeste Harding and Spurgeonique Morley. All of the women are in the early stages of their professional development and are currently studying art at the College of The Bahamas. Each of the emerging artists was offered four cases to display their pieces in the international U.S. departure terminal and in the transitory corridors for international arrivals.

Burrows decided to study art in her last year of high school, in 2012; she has since been using her work to discuss themes related to the environment and conservation. Her pieces are influenced by local surroundings.

“I use the form and textures in nature to enhance and bring a sculptural aspect to simple forms,” she explained.

Harding hails from Long Island, Bahamas and takes inspiration from the ordinary. The series of works presented at LPIA is nature-themed and heavily based on the healthy marine life found throughout The Bahamas. The works include an extensive aquatic series of over 100 “sea urchins” and marine flora.

“Not only is the marine life naturally bright in pigment, but the textures blow you away… It is my goal to show this to the world, not in one way, but many, with no restrictions,” said the artist.

Morley’s studies are in art education and ceramics. Her work was recently featured at PopopStudios in the 2015 Transforming Spaces art tour. She demonstrates a continuation of her focus on the feminine figure with her “Mechanical Woman” piece and “Jus’ Cause She Phat” series; visitors may also catch a glimpse of more functional pieces, like her “Deep Blue Sea” tea set.

Bynoe believes the NAGB and NAD partnership offers “an opportunity to engage with a platform that is often unconsidered”

“If you visit any bustling international airport – NYC, Miami or Toronto – you will see a big part of their décor and how they think about the space is often in tandem with cultural work and public art commissions,” she said

This connection with local production and authenticity is what drove NAD to invest more than $2 million in permanent art fixtures at LPIA.

“We want Bahamians to continue to have a sense of pride and ownership in LPIA. This airport belongs to the people of The Bahamas. Through our partnership with the NAGB, we hope to display a wide range of art from across our archipelago that Bahamians can identify with, take pride in and enjoy,” said Knowles.

            For more information on the NAGB/NAD partnership or to find out more about purchasing artwork from Burrows, Harding or Morley, contact the NAGB at 328-5800.

Painting taboos

Making her way to Aruba for the third chapter of the Caribbean Linked Artist Residence Program, Bahamian artist Jodi Minnis has been gathering momentum in her academic and career journey. The former NAGB gallery assistant and PopopStudios Junior Prize winner was invited to participate by NAGB Chief Curator and Caribbean Linked co-Director Holly Bynoe, who was in search of female artists engaging critical thinking in their practices.

Minnis caught the director’s eye in the Seventh National Exhibition: Antillian: an Ecology with her performance piece titled, “In Order for You to Consider My Mind, You Must First Be Enticed by My Body”.

“It was clear,” Bynoe said, “that her voice was firm and drew from identity politics, themes linked to feminism, personal politics and private-public relations.”

Bynoe is one of three directors, who include Fresh Milk Art Platform Director Annalee Davis and artist and educator Elvis López. Between themselves, the directors selected 13 artists, writers and activists from across the region to participate in the program. Of them, Minnis is the second Bahamian and youngest participant at the 2015 residency, the first being Veronica Dorsett in 2013.

A fully funded project, Caribbean Linked offers emerging artists a chance to exchange ideas, network and create work in a shared and adequately equipped facility. The residency program is organized by Ateliers ’89 Foundation in collaboration with ARC Inc. and Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc. It receives the majority of its support from Stichting DOEN as well as the Mondriaan Foundation and Prince Claus Fund. Each year, Caribbean Linked invites nominated artists to participate in a three-week residency involving idea exchanges and critiques to inspire creation. The 2015 program began August 11 and ends on the 31st.

During her residency, Minnis has continued her exploration of sexuality and the fetishized feminine figure in Bahamian society. She has ventured into examining ever-present polyamorous practices, known commonly as ‘sweethearting’; Minnis makes reference to the varied playful street terms for extramarital affairs – particularly those used in Bahamian music.

Through the immersion and her international peers, she’s also used the opportunity to broaden her knowledge of other islands and cultures in the region.

“I have gained a pride. I am more proud of my place in the Caribbean now more than ever,” she added. “I have also been exposed to the culture, people and art of Aruba, which has been an enriching experience that I probably wouldn't have had if not for this program. Most importantly, I gained friendships and relationships with amazing and creative individuals whose paths I would not have crossed if not for Caribbean Linked. I learned about different ways of image making and portraying a concept. My colleagues have taught me more than a classroom could at the time.” 

Affirming her selection of Minnis as a strong participant who easily holds her own among the other artists-in-residence, Bynoe said, “She is the ideal candidate in many ways. She is brave and thrives in collaborative spaces. Her engagement is generous and thoughtful.”

Minnis looks forward to returning home in September and continuing on what appears to be an upward trend in her professional progression. While she has deferred attending Goldsmiths at the University of London until January 2016, she anticipates resuming her curatorial work and artistic practices in the fall with renewed energy. Reflecting on her residency, Minnis is thankful to have been offered the chance to participate in a dedicated and multicultural center for critical artistic thought and development.

“I did not know what conversations about ‘Caribbean-ness’ would arise, and I thought that I would not have much to say, because I'm still figuring out what it means to be Bahamian. However, as soon as I met my colleagues and was greeted by Elvis López, all of my worries went out of the door. I am blessed to have this experience, and I thank God for preparing me for it. I also want to thank Annalee Davis, Holly Bynoe, and Elvis Lopez for cultivating this program. I have to also give thanks to John Cox for being awesome and always thinking of the future generations.” 

Allan Wallace’s ‘Let There Be Order’ is the August Art Work of the Month

This month, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) had the pleasure of a visit by renowned Bahamian artist Max Taylor. Called one of the country’s foremost ‘master artists’, multimedia artist Taylor has been an invaluable member of the country’s visual arts community for decades. During that time, he has produced exquisite prints, paintings and ceramic works, many of which are on display at the NAGB and for sale in its Mixed Media gift shop.

While at the gallery, Taylor took a few minutes to select the August Art Work of the Month, “Let There Be Order”, by Allan Wallace.

A former student of Taylor, Wallace’s talents can be found both within the walls of the NAGB, in the NAGB permanent exhibition Bahamian Domestic, and on the gallery’s exterior, where his mural adorns an annex wall space. The artwork of the month can be found in the northwest room of Bahamian Domestic and is part of the National Collection.

An elaborate and detailed piece, the work was completed by humble ballpoint pens on paper and never fails to wow high-school students, who are fascinated by the oversized ‘doodle’.

While many pieces in Bahamian Domestic catch the eyes of onlookers with their outstanding color usage, the black and white “Let There Be Order” easily holds its own with layers of imagery and skillful shading that offer its viewers striking depth. In the work, vine-like twists are intertwined with imagery of faces and abstract shapes, giving the illusion of a three-dimensional work.

“There’s a lot going on, but the rendition of it is done very well in terms of the technique and texture that he has in here,” observed Taylor.

“I think the technical capacity, in terms of penmanship, is very unusual,” he added.

For Taylor, the otherworldly work evokes thoughts of science fiction films and is as mythical as it is meticulous. And, despite acknowledging that much of his known work is realistic, Wallace said he finds more satisfaction in completing such transcendental and free-flowing pieces.

“I’m most satisfied as an artist when I’m doing that free-flow type of work where I don’t know here it’s going to end but I’m allowing the abilities that I possess to present something to the viewer that is kind of wonderful to look at,” he explained. “‘Let There Be Order’ is kind of like ordered chaos. My mind is all over the place. I’m thinking all kinds of different things, but because of my ability, I’m able to design it in a way that is actually pleasing to the eye, harmoniously.”

To see “Let There Be Order” and works by Taylor himself, visit the NAGB’s Bahamian Domestic.

The NAGB is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Every Sundays, locals can enjoy all the gallery has to offer completely free of charge. Contact the NAGB at 328-5800 for more information.

One with the elements: A local artist’s mural complements seaside surroundings at top resort

Continuing with what seems to be a trend highlighting local artistry and talents, Sandyport Beaches Resort and Hotel recently commissioned Bahamian artist Attila Feszt to complete a large-scale public mural livening up the pathway leading to the beach and Blue Sail Restaurant. Depicting sea life in tropical hues, the work fits in appropriately with its surroundings, as the Sandyport canal is known as a habitat for occasional aquatic visitors, who include manatees and stingrays. The piece is easily the largest public artwork in the Sandyport community and occupies a space 12’ tall and 90’ wide.

The idea came from Hotel President Rowena Jones, whose leadership has seen the resort incorporate designs from local fabric factory and boutique, Bahama Hand Prints, and signage from Abaco-based multimedia artist Kim Roberts.

Known for his work reflecting The Bahamas’ natural surroundings – and, more specifically, those of his hometown, Hope Town, Abaco – Feszt finds inspiration in the everyday and elements of his natural environment, like wildlife and plants.

            “Normally when I'm on my way to go surfing I take special care to see what stands out, and will come back and do sketches of ideas,” he explained.

            In creating work, his objective is to show “things that give a similar feel as the more traditional art, but showing it in a different way that lets you appreciate it from another perspective. I enjoy looking at simple elements of the landscape rather than the entire landscape.” 

            The mural is not Feszt’s first. The artist was commissioned previously by National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) Director Amanda Coulson and former NAGB Chief Curator John Cox to complete the work jazzing up walls at the gallery’s Mixed Media store. His talents have also been recruited on a private basis and internationally; he has completed several murals at Playa Grande Surf Camp based in Costa Rica.

            “Working from a sketchbook or computer is no comparison, scale-wise, to a huge mural. It really opens up your creativity and encourages you to work from a different headspace,” he said. 

            The enjoyment of working on a large piece was not the only way he benefited from participating in the project. Voted one of New Providence’s top resort, the Sandyport hotel is a popular choice for visitors, and the public work will ensure that Feszt continues to gain significant exposure with both locals and international guests.

            “Resort guests would walk by daily on their way to the beach, and stop and admire it and offer encouraging words. And every day they would see more progress and comment on that too,” he recalled. “Also, all the boaters leaving Sandyport would shout out their appreciation. It was hard work, as I was on a tight deadline, and hearing that really kept my motivation up.” 

            In a nod to the Sandyport Resort’s and community’s atmosphere of seaside tranquility, Feszt’s piece offers an easy and calming sample of Bahamian art and complementing design element.

            His others works can be found at the NAGB Mixed Media shop, Sandyport salon Studio Vivo and Marsh Harbour coffee house Bliss.

            To find out more about the artist, visit his website www.maeter.com.