Monthly News: October 2023

81° West: Cartographic Exploration in Contemporary Caymanian Art

Commencing with an intimate opening on October 5th, “81 West” leads visitors on a captivating journey through time, tracing the evolution of maps and their profound influence on Caymanian society. The event brought together NGCI staff, members, volunteers, Government dignitaries, sponsors, and artists, fostering a sense of unity and shared appreciation for the practice of cartography.

Within this exhibition, we uncover the similarities between the pursuits of cartographers and artists. Both embark on journeys of exploration, seeking to interpret the world around them, capturing its intricacies, subtleties, and hidden marvels. They breathe life into landscapes, revealing fresh insights and interpretations as they intimately connect with their surroundings.

The selection of work on display stands to ask viewers to consider the profound connections woven between cartography and the creative spirit. The juxtaposition of contemporary artworks and antique maps within this exhibition creates a captivating dialogue exploring these connections between the past and the present, the empirical and the artistic.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Honorable Bernie Bush MP, Honorable Kenneth Bryan MP, Deputy Governor Honorable Franz Manderson, and the esteemed Governor of Cayman, Jane Owen, for gracing the opening of this exhibition with their presence. Their attendance added a significant dimension to this evening of exploration and creativity, illuminating the event with their unique perspectives.

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What’s On: Exhibitions & Collections

81° West Exhibition Opening6 October – 2 FebruaryThis exhibition explores the connection between art and the field of mapping. As a discipline rooted in scientific inquiry with wide-reaching implications, cartography embodies a unique form of image making whose empirical objectives are seemingly far removed from the aesthetic priorities of fine art, but in actuality share the end goal of pictorial representation. Learn More.

Open call for ‘Icons of the Brac’ 30 October DeadlineThe National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is currently developing a Sister Islands exhibition project of photography capturing the rich cultural heritage of Cayman Brac. Submissions welcome from the public. For more information, email [email protected].

Lunch Talk with Verlee Poupeye18 October, 12:30-1:30PMArt historian, critic and curator Veerle Poupeye shares in her insight into Caribbean Art History at this special talk, exploring 81 West through the lens of the regional story. Learn more here.

What’s On: Education

Seniors Tour and Tea19 October, 9:00AM Community elders are invited to join us at the National Gallery for a guided tour of our exhibitions, followed by a complimentary cup of tea and snacks. Enjoy a social gathering centered around heritage, culture, and conversation. Admission to the event is free thanks to the generous sponsorship of EY Cayman. Click here.

Teen Art Drop-In21 October, 12:00 – 1:00PMTeens are invited to drop in to our studio on the last Saturday of the month for a free art session. Join other like-minded individuals to create individual or collaborative projects while enjoying a quiet, mindful art space. Email [email protected] to learn more.

J ournaling to Find Inspiration with Isy B26 October, 5:30-6:30PM This workshop explores finding inspiration within yourself and your surroundings through the practice of journaling. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands provides the perfect creative setting to begin to experiment with your journaling practice under Isy B’s guindance.Visit our website here to register.

News & Special Features

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Sponsor Highlight: Davenport

In our latest exhibition, “81° Degrees West,” we have embarked on an exploration of the fascinating interplay between art and cartography. This would not have been possible without the generous support of Davenport Development, a steadfast and longtime sponsor of the National Gallery. Davenport Development’s unwavering commitment to the arts and culture has been instrumental in our endeavours to bring meaningful exhibitions to our community. Their continued support has allowed us to showcase the artistic endeavours of Caymanian talents who have incorporated map iconography into their works, bringing a unique perspective to our Islands’ maritime history and cultural heritage for this current exhibition.

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National Gallery of the Cayman Islands | P.O. Box 10197, Grand Cayman, KY1-1002 Cayman Islands