National Gallery celebrates fashion design
(CNS Local Life): The National Gallery of Cayman Islands (NGCI) is opening a new exhibition, “Art of Fashion”, starting with a preview for members on Friday, 24 August, and running until 28 November. Curated by NGCI director Natalie Urquhart with assistance from Simon Tatum, the gallery called the exhibition “an examination of the worlds of art and fashion which have simultaneously co-existed and collided, with the boundaries between the two disciplines blurred”.
Caymanian fashion designers Isy B and Jawara Alleyne are featured in the exhibition, for which entrance is free. Commissioned by NGCI to respond to their permanent collection, the gallery said in a press release that “the designers have been given free rein to interpret the artistic history of the Cayman Islands, from early intuitive art by Gladwyn ‘Miss Lassie’ Bush and Charles Long, through to the emergence of the Native Sons, and on to the critically engaged contemporary art that is being practised today”.
Discussing the exhibition, Urquhart said, “Each designer has approached the challenge from a unique viewpoint using colour and pattern, shape and volume, draping, and embellishments to reinterpret some of the most iconic artworks in the island’s history.
“The resulting collections act as both a celebration of the two disciplines, while representing how art and fashion can harmoniously inform one another.”
Michael McWatt, managing director of Butterfield Bank, which sponsored the exhibition, added, “Butterfield is proud to partner with the National Gallery on their new exhibition ‘Art of Fashion’ and to support these two talented Caymanian designers. We believe that through active community involvement we can make a positive difference in our society and are committed to continue supporting the development of the arts in the Cayman Islands. We hope as many people as possible will have a chance to see this exhibition.”
This exhibition seeks to support the growing fashion industry in the Cayman Islands and to illustrate how the National Art Collection continues to inspire the creative process, said NGCI, adding that an extensive exhibition programme has been developed and includes lectures, panels discussions, workshops, school tours and family events.
For a full programme, call 949-8111 or go to the National Gallery website
