This month, members of Grand Bahama’s visual art community will be collaborating in a group show dedicated to nothing more than the starry night. The oft-evaded constant is a regular period of unease and fear throughout The Bahamas, particularly during a time when the country is experiencing elevated levels of violent crime. With anxiety over illicit activities at the fore, many forget the regenerative processes that take place during sleeping hours.
Curated by Grand Bahama artists Boryana Korcheva and Del Foxton, Nocturnes will showcase works by 17 artists of diverse backgrounds who explore the topic of nighttime in the context of their shared environment, values and the effects of modern, near-instantaneous communication. Held at The Grand Gallery, located at The Grand Lucayan Resort, the multi-media show will feature paintings, photography, tapestry, digital art, collage, sculpture and a 3D paper work by Foxton.
“The night is a constant of our physical and spiritual existence, an inherent element of our biological rhythm. It has a special symbolism in all cultures and is one of the eternal themes of the arts,” said Korcheva. “Technology has changed our relationship with the night, and yet its spiritual dimension has not diminished, nor has it lost its impact on human imagination.”
With many of the artists originating from countries around the world, the show will examine the symbolism nighttime holds among a variety of cultures. Nocturnes’ participants include National Art Gallery of The Bahamas Board Member and artist Chantal Bethel, Paula Boyd Farrington, Tony Cassano, Melanie Darville, Claudette Dean, Eva Dehmel, Caitlyn Farrington, Del Foxton, Clarence Green, Ken Heslop, Julie Hoyle, Boryana Korcheva, Christine Matthai, Jo Morasco, Sheldon Saint, Laurie Tuchel and Cali Veilleux.
Visitors can expect works addressing mystic, spiritual and transcendental themes in the show that is particularly relevant in a society that has valued folklore and myth for generations.
“Not surprisingly, the night has special symbolism in all cultures. Magic and magicians are believed to be more powerful at night. Séances of spiritualism are usually conducted at night. Similarly, mythical and folkloric creatures – fairies, vampires and werewolves – are described as being more active at night. Ghosts are believed to wander around almost exclusively during nighttime,” write Korcheva and Foxton in their curatorial essay.
A series of discussions will follow the exhibition’s opening night. Programming details will be announced on the evening. It is the curators’ hope that the show and corresponding talks go beyond demonstrating the talents of the creative community living on Grand Bahama to engage the general public with the island’s artistic movement.
The opening evening of Nocturnes will start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 with the curators’ walk. All members of the public are invited to attend. For more information on Nocturnes or any of the show’s participating artists, contact The Grand Gallery at (242) 242/373-6111 or via email at thegrandgallery242bahamas@gmail.com.
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