National Gallery Launches New Online Exhibition – Art Under Lockdown

Art Under Lockdown is an online exhibition intended to spotlight the creativity of artists and members of the public who have turned to making art as a means of expression during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Using the digital sphere as a way to share art at a time of lockdown and social distancing, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) seeks to provide a platform for this outpouring of artistic creativity, and to further inspire the community through this exhibition as we continue to grapple with the short and long-term effects of the pandemic.

From family living rooms to children’s bedrooms, garages to back yards, Cayman’s artists – both established and emerging – have found innovative ways to adapt their workspaces to these new conditions, channeling their feelings through the medium of art. A total of 86 artists submitted work in response to NGCI’s Open Call, ranging from student work by children as young as 12, entries by part-time hobbyists taking advantage of the additional time and fewer distractions that lockdown has afforded to many, as well as submissions by professional artists, many of whom feature prominently in NGCI’s permanent collection. In the spirit of inclusivity and community all submitted entries were accepted, resulting in an eclecticism of theme and subject matter. The featured artworks consequently reflect the many different ways the community has responded to the pandemic: from moments of quiet introspection and feelings of isolation and fear, to a yearning for nature and the outdoors, through to expressions of gratitude, solidarity and social justice.

Art Under Lockdown showcases the fruits of these artistic labours, using digital technology to connect art and people in the most trying circumstances. Says the exhibition’s Curatorial Statement, “As the public has come together to support one another, to give generously to those in need and to make collective sacrifices to overcome this pandemic, we have witnessed the remarkable creativity and resilience of our community. Captured through the eyes of artists, this online exhibit offers a portrait of an extraordinary moment in our history; a chance to celebrate the life-affirming power of art and creativity in the darkest of moments.”

Featured Artists: Abigail Ebanks, Alta and Gordon Solomon, Amy Brown, Amy Jones, Arianna Wheeler, Asha Burton, Avril Ward, Barbie Bodden, Basil Humphries, Brian Tomlinson, Bridget Lott McPartland, Cameron Bridgeman, Carlos V. Garcia, Carol Love, Caroline Neale-Allenger, C.E. Whitney, Charles Long, Chris Humphries, Chris Mann, David Bridgeman, Debbie Chase van der Bol, Dory VanDonzel-Magnan, Erica Birch, Francesca Lindsay, Gabrielle Best, Gale Tibbetts, Giedrius ‘Joe’ Ploplys, Glory Nicholson, Gretchen B. Wendel, Heather Holt, Hermes H. Solomon-Hydes, J. Teresa Bodden, Jade Wilkinson, Janice Brown, Joanna Humphries, John Broad, John Reno Jackson, Joseph Betty, Juanique Mclean, June South-Robinson, Kaitlyn Elphinstone, Kathryn Elphinstone, Kay Smith, Kaydia Gouldbourne, Kerry-Ann Brown, Kerwin G. Ebanks, Lala (Maria Perla G. Datingaling), Lara Humphries, Larisa Sved, Linda W. Saparoff, Lori Peterson, Lucas Anglin, M.C. Rose-Smyth, Maggie Jackson, Marc Laurenson/STOAK'D, Marcia Codner, Mark Alexander Frazer, Martha Flores, Maureen Lazarus, Megan Ehman, Micky Ackley-Webster, Miralda Dzaghgouni, Morgan Olley, Nasaria Suckoo Chollette, Paige Jordison, Pam Kelly-Laurenson, Pascal Pernix, Randy Chollette, Raphael Leigh Powery, Ren Seffer, Rhonda Edie, Rufus Lovett, Sally Prior, Samantha Twiss, Sarah McDougall, Sarah Monro, Shane ‘Dready’ Aquârt, Simon Tatum, Simone Scott, Suvi Hayden, Suzette Hislop, Teresa Grimes, Tessa Hansen, Tom Girling, Wil Bignal, and Wray Banker.

Art Under Lockdown can be viewed online from 15 June to 31 August 2020, via the National Gallery’s website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/whats-on/exhibitions/art-under-lockdown/. The related exhibition programme formally launches with a Zoom reception on 18 June, which will feature a curatorial presentation and social event. Additional online events and lectures will continue through August. For more information email assistantcurator@nationalgallery.org.ky.