In response to Nassau’s excessive blackouts and load shedding, the Creative Center is encouraging artists of all mediums to create pieces of work by lantern or candle light for its upcoming exhibition, Black Out: Art in the Dark.
Sponsored by Nassau Motor Company and FG Wilson generators, and in association with Ubani Artworks and Artists’ Circle, Black Out: Art in the Dark is the brainchild of Bahamian artist Deime Ubani in an effort to challenge local artists in creating original pieces of work without the aid of electricity.
“This exhibition will capture the sense of working and living in the dark, as we have unavoidably become accustomed to,” artist and organizer Deime Ubani said. She credits her constant frustration with Bahamas Power and Light as her main motivation for the exhibit.
“Our goal is to capture the movements, the emotions, and the lack of overall visibility in those moments of power loss that predominantly occur in this nation.”
Submissions for Black Out: Art in the Dark will be accepted until September 28, 2019, and will be judged by Ms. Ubani and Creative Center Art Events Coordinator Jalan Harris. Art pieces from eight to ten selected artists will be chosen and displayed for the opening exhibition on October 25th, 2019 at the Creative Center in Chippingham.
“Right now, it's an open call for submissions, so we’re getting inquiries and also working on pieces ourselves,” Ms. Harris said. “The event was inspired by all of the load shedding, and the artists are creating work that’s either dark or predominantly black. Or they can just paint in the dark.”
Originally envisioned as an effort to creatively embrace the unpredictability of the island’s electricity issues, Black Out: Art in the Dark evolved into a relief effort that will benefit hurricane victims recently affected or displaced by Hurricane Dorian.
The centerpiece of the exhibition will be a collaborative art piece that all of the accepted artists will work on together at the Creative Center. The full proceeds from the sale of this collaborative piece, along with a percentage of sales from each individual piece sold, will be donated to hurricane relief efforts throughout the Bahamas.
“Power is essential for all, for survival,” Ms. Ubani said. “This exhibition will draw attention to the plight of the Bahamian people at large and give back to those members of the community that are affected the most.”
For more information, please visit the Creative Center Bahamas on Facebook or Instagram (@CreativeCenterBahamas) or call 376-7474.
