Art and Artist Community – Nassau Bahamas
One of the official judges, John Cox, said he was encouraged by the level and quality of work on display. Like the governor, he also pointed out that teachers, parents and institutions like the Central Bank deserve to be thanked for their encouragement.
“Artists don’t really come out of a vacuum, artists really come out of a strong fabric of creators and thinkers and people who encourage them and give them proper guidance,” he said.
The hands-on abstract workshop entitled “In The Likeness” was inspired by the Bahamas’ most prolific abstract artist Kendal Hanna. Participants were exposed to the materials, techniques and process involved in some of Mr Hanna’s best work.
Starting in the new year, those interested in pursuing art or building upon their artistic practice and dialogue can do so at four art classes being offered by Popopstudios International Center for the Visual Arts.
Last Friday evening, Albany residents and Nassau residents alike flocked to the luxury resort community to take part in the second ‘Art at Albany’, which showcased artwork from eleven local practicing artists in the deluxe cabanas around the Azul Pool. Popop-based artists Sue Katz and Margot Bethel displayed their work.
Years ago, the late Brent Malone often called upon the Bahamian government to reevaluate the 45% duty on imported art supplies.
Since then, musicians, Junkanoo artists and even printing companies have received concessions or had the duty removed completely to continue doing the work they love and which contribute to the cultural development of The Bahamas.
“The context of much of my work is concerned with narrative and the reconsideration of personal stories in the public forum. Using a variety of media such as video, drawing, installation and photography, I investigate the often simple, sometimes irrelevant encounters and collisions between people and their environments.”
In keeping with the theme of the Kendal Hanna Restrospective Exhibition, “Happy Birthday to Me,” now on at the NAGB, the Gallery is hosting two events – On Friday, a documentary film which delves into the relationship between the mind and the creation of art entitled “Crazy Art” and on Saturday, an Art Workshop entitled “In the Likeness” moderated by artist Toby Lunn.
In Heino Schmid’s new collection of work, “we’re all innocent when we dream”, this duality between asleep and awake, peace and tension and right and wrong comes to the surface.
“I want a visual duplicity in the way that you can scope out the exhibition and take it in as a whole but somehow make the work engaging enough for people to also go in and really participate on an individual level with the work.”
