You’re invited to a new National Gallery Cayman Islands exhibition of foraminifera – tiny single-celled organisms found in our oceans – beautifully magnified and photographed by Roland Verreet, and reimagined in glass by Davin Ebanks.

Images: Foraminifera by Roland Verreet, Glass Sculpture by Davin Ebanks and Foraminifera by Roland Verreet

Programme of Events

Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope

Curated by Natalie Urquhart

Exhibition, 6 February 2015 until 27 March 2015

Roland Verreet is a renowned mechanical engineer who spends much of his life analysing structural damage beneath a microscope. As a creative outlet he studies foraminifera, following in a tradition established by 19th century naturalists, he gathers samples of this ancient life form and captures their intricate structures under complex optical, digital and scanning electron microscopes, transforming them into stunning works of art. Davin Ebanks is a well-known Caymanian artist who works in a variety of media but primarily in glass. For Luminescent Forms, Davin has created a new series of sculptural forms, drawing on the anthropomorphic shapes of the foraminifera.

A members’ preview evening for National Gallery members and guests will be held on Thursday, 5 February 2015 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more information about the National Gallery membership programme call (345) 945 8111, email [email protected]

Image: Curator Natalie Urquhart and Photographer Roland Verreet

The Secret Life of Sand: A Special Lecture by Roland Verreet

Event, Saturday 7 February 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Come and discover the secret life of foraminifera – tiny single-celled organisms whose skeletons are found in sand – with international expert and macro photographer Roland Verreet. The lecture will cover topics from the history of foraminifera to how they are studied and photographed today. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Donations welcome.

Lunchtime Lecture with the Curator – Natalie Urquhart

Event, Wednesday 11 February 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

This event includes a behind-the-scenes tour during which Natalie Urquhart, curator of the exhibition Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope, will discuss how the exhibition was developed, and the themes and the stories behind the stunning images. The lunchtime tour is free of charge. Donations are welcome. Refreshments will be available for purchase in the NGCI Art Café and unique gifts will be on sale in National Gallery Gift Shop.

Garden Picnic

Lunch, Wednesday 11 February 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Join us for our first ever Garden Picnic brought to you by the National Gallery Art Café. A delicious set menu including soup and sandwiches will be served in the National Gallery gardens between 12 noon and 2:30 PM. Lunch packs will also be available for those on the go and don’t forget to stop by the exhibition halls to view the national art collection and the new exhibition Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope. For menu details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111. Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more.

Late Night at the Gallery

Event, Saturday 28 February 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The National Gallery will be open to the public for a late night viewing of Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope. In addition to the late night viewing, a film screening of the award winning documentary Sand Wars will be screened at 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM in the Dart Auditorium. Admission to the event is free and refreshments will be served. Donations welcome.

Sand Wars (2012) Documentary

Film Screening, 28 February, Show times 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM

Is sand an infinite resource? Can the existing supply satisfy a gigantic demand fueled by construction booms? What are the consequences of intensive beach sand mining for the environment and the neighboring populations? Based on encounters with sand smugglers, barefoot millionaires, corrupt politicians, unscrupulous real estate developers and environmentalists, this investigation takes us around the globe to unveil a new gold rush and a disturbing fact: the “Sand Wars” have begun. Admission to the film screening is free and refreshments will be served. Donations welcome.

A Glass Look: A Special Lecture by Davin Ebanks

Event, Wednesday 11 March, Lecture starts at 5:45 PM

Join us for a special lecture with local glass artist Davin Ebanks. Davin’s talk will dive into how his sculptural forms were created and the themes and inspiration behind the stunning series of luminescent sculptures. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Donations welcome.

Image Artist Davin Ebanks

For Kids & Families

Sand Lab – For Kids!

Interactive Educational Exhibition, 5 February – 27 March 2015

Accompanying the artists’ work will be the “Sand Lab,” an interactive educational space which has been designed specifically for the exhibition Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope. The lab features more samples of foraminifera, a microscope under which the organisms can be viewed, sand samples, and a DVD exploring Roland’s process. Students will learn about the role this organism plays in studying climate change and coral reef health. Admission is free. Donations welcome.

Family Day – Art Under the Microscope

Event, Saturday 7 March 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Join us for free drop-in art activities based on the exhibition Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope. Family activity sheets and art materials will be available for children of all ages in The National Gallery breezeway, and self-guided tour packs can be collected in the Gallery for families to use as they explore the temporary exhibition. Free coffee and tea will also be available in the Art Café. Donations welcome. For additional details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

Free Youth Tours for All Ages

Guided Tour by Appointment, 5 February – 27 March 2015

Free guided tours of the temporary exhibition Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope are available for students of all ages at The National Gallery. Students will discuss the exhibition and get hands-on in the “Sand Lab.” Topics covered include art, science, social studies, literacy and numeracy. For information or to book a tour contact NGCI at 945-8111 or [email protected].

Shop

Our Gift Shop works with NGCI curators and artists to find the very best products to support our exhibition schedule. For Luminescent Forms: Art Under the Microscope, NGCI has produced a series of limited edition prints, beautiful gift cards, and more. The National Gallery Gift Shop is open during regular gallery hours and NGCI members receive a 10% discount.

Contact Us

For more information regarding any of the events listed above and to RSVP please get in touch by emailing [email protected]
or by calling (345) 945 8111.