Culture ministry helps add to National Gallery’s art collection
(L-R, front) Natalie Urquhart, Dwayne Seymour, Susan A. Olde, Brandon Saunders; (L-R, back) Wray Banker, Al Ebanks, Aston Ebanks, Horacio Esteban
(CNS Local Life): The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands has acquired five works of art for its National Art Collection, with the support of the Ministry of Culture. Each artwork is by a significant Caymanian artist, working in a contemporary context. As part of the gallery’s acquisition strategy, significant works of art by Cayman artists are identified annually by its collections and exhibitions committee with the hope that sponsorship will be secured to acquire the work for the National Art Collection.
Minister for Culture Dwayne Seymour said of the acquisition he was “delighted that we have been able to help acquire these important pieces for the National Art Collection. The five artists are masters of their craft and these particular pieces are works of the finest calibre.”
Work is selected based upon the significance of the artist, the standard of work, the significance of the work in an exhibition capacity, and popular appeal (works that has received strong positive public feedback), stated an NGCI press release.
Four of the works selected for this donation are by preeminent Caymanian artists: Native Sons’ Wray Banker, Al Ebanks, Horacio Esteban and Aston Ebanks. The fifth is by emerging artist Brandon Saunders, whose piece Osiris was the breakout work in NGCI’s 2017 “Upon the Seas” exhibition. “Each of these artists is working in a wide range of media,” said NGCI director Natalie Urquhart.
“Their work is a vehicle through which to bring attention to our cultural heritage in new ways, to challenge existing borders, and to begin articulating new meanings for contemporary Caymanian identity in the 21st century. They are all excellent examples of the highly skilled, critically engaged work that is being practiced by our contemporary artists.”
Susan A. Olde, chairperson of NGCI as well as the collection and exhibitions committee, said, “The National Gallery is honoured to receive these works in trust for the people of the Cayman Islands and we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Culture, for his foresight in supporting the growth of the National Art Collection. Budget constraints have limited acquisitions historically, and this support has ensured that these five works of national significance remain on island and publicly accessible now, and for future generations.”
For more information call 945-8111 or view the collection electronically via the NGCI’s Virtual Tour of the Upper Gallery
Category: Arts
