What could be better than an outdoor art exhibition with gourmet nibbles, fine wine and a gorgeous view of boats in the harbor? That's exactly what K Smith thought when he organized "Hyperrealism at Balduccino's", a small scale art exhibition set to take place in the courtyard at Balduccino Fine Foods on East Bay Street.
On display will be Smith' latest pieces, "up close and personal" hyperrealistic renderings of everyday objects like coconuts, sea urchin shells and Bahamian leaves. The vivid colors and attention to a single detail as opposed to an entire object are his signatures, leaving audience members stunned by what they didn't even think was possible.
One of the main objectives of the event is to bring hyperrealism, a genre of art that can seem overlooked on the Bahamian scene, to the attention of the public. Hyperrealism is a genre of drawing, painting or sculpting that looks like a high-resolution photo. By creating details and embellishments that weren't discernible to begin with, these works stimulate reality for the viewer by creating the illusion that it's not a work of art at all. Unlike much of what is seen in the art community, hyperrealism is devoid of emotions or narratives in order to create what is real and in the moment.
According to Smith, a Canadian native living in The Bahamas for 22 years, hyperrealism is more popular in Europe, specifically England, right now. "There is a collectibility to hyperrealistic work," he said. "That is why my work stands apart from other work in the country. It's not Junkanoo; it's not poinciana trees in Gregory Town. It's not sailboats in the harbor, and its' not totally abstract. It's not installation; it's not contemporary art. It's just me."
Smith's awe-inspiring drawings always elicit a double take from viewers who never would have thought they weren't photographs. During outdoor events, like his upcoming show, Smith usually brings his drawing station in order to allow people to make the connection between what he's produced and how it's done.
With its image of fine foods and fine wine, it's no wonder Balduccino's owner Anton Alexiou wanted to draw a picture for the Bahamian audience of what Balduccino's has to offer.
A highlight of the menu is undoubtedly the wine offerings, which include an 1805 Merlot, with deeply concentrated flavors of blueberry and red cherry and pleasant aromatics of red fruit, smoke and vanilla, and an 1805 Riesling, with crisp tropical fruit flavors, balanced by mineral and spice tones.
"I will try to introduce wines to people so that they kind of appreciate drinking a bottle as opposed to trying to drink it and get drunk," said Desmond Cooper, Balduccino Fine Wines sommelier. He hopes to use the mystique of the wines, with their hidden secrets, to enhance the hyperrealistic experience.
Part proceeds from "Hyperrealism at Balduccino's" will benefit the Bahamas Infant Stimulation Programme, which is geared towards helping families with infants from birth to three years who are at risk of significant developmental delay. By providing screening, family education and developmental therapy, among other services, all free of charge, the program helps infants who may be slow to reach developmental milestones or have conditions that cause disability or put infants at risk of having a disability.
As an educator of 30 years, it's no wonder Smith chose a charity that benefits young children and helps their development. As an art educator and professional artist, he is always striving to mentor young artists and inspire young artistic minds.
o "Hyperrealism at Balduccino's" takes place in the lower courtyard of Balduccino's on Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Original pencil drawings by K Smith will be accompanied by wines from the world's finest vineyards, specialty foods by Balduccino's and live music.
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