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.
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