Exhibition
Curators’ Statement
In the wake of the monumental upheavals that have taken place at the outset of this decade, Reimagined Futures seeks to adopt a more affirmative vision of the world we are now inhabiting, recasting the long months of lockdown and its aftermath as an extended interlude— an opportunity for all of us to pause and reflect on where we are now and where we are heading.
Charged with reimagining our collective future, the participating artists have each responded to the task in distinct ways – contesting boundaries, challenging norms, and questioning entrenched beliefs. Rather than fearing the disruption that may potentially ensue in a post-pandemic world, they seize on our potential to collectively envision a better society in 2021 and beyond. The resulting works and the venues in which they are situated, which range from historical sites and public spaces to outdoor installations, stage a series of dynamic conversations between the exhibited artworks and their broader social and cultural context.
From environmental efforts to mitigate climate change, the lobbying for racial and social justice, and the wider reimagining of our global community—now is the time to redraw, rethink and reimagine the world around us.
About the Biennial
The Cayman Islands Biennial, developed by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, is a large-scale multisite exhibition project that recurs every two years. To participate, artists are invited to submit to an Open Call before participating in a rigorous juried selection process. For this iteration, work by 41 local artists has been included in a wide range of media: from painting, photography and video, to collage, textiles, drawing and sculpture, as well as installation and video art.
Artwork is being displayed simultaneously at five different locations across the Cayman Islands. The primary exhibition is on display at the National Gallery, with venue hosts including the Owen Roberts International Airport, the National Trust’s Mission House, the QEII Botanic Park, the Little Cayman Museum, along with special programming in Cayman Brac. Each site has a unique element of the project with some functioning as a venue for multiple artists and others, as in the case of Mission House and Botanic Park, as sites for single art interventions.
The Biennial includes the prestigious Bendel Hydes’ Award component, with awards being presented to the top selected artist, as well as an Emerging Artist Award for the most promising newcomer. Supported by National Gallery Chairperson Mrs Susan A. Olde, OBE, both Awards will be selected by a jury of international curators and announced in June. The project is also supported by an extensive education programme of workshops, panel discussions, screenings and lectures relating to the Biennial sub-themes and designed to provide developmental support for the art community as well as to introduce the public to both established and emerging artists.
The Biennial is curated by Kerri-Anne Chisholm, Paige Jordison, William Helfrecht, Maia Muttoo and Natalie Urquhart, with the original selection committee comprising Amanda Coulson, Davin Ebanks and Emé Paschalides. It has once again been made possible through partnership with the inaugural Biennial supporters, Mrs Susan A. Olde, OBE, and Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited, along with support from the Ministry of Culture and Cayman Airways.
Thanks are also extended to all of our participating artists and our Biennial project hosts: Owen Roberts International Airport, the National Trust’s Mission House, and QEII Botanic Park, the Little Cayman Museum, as well as to our programme partners in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Returning and Travelling Exhibitions
Featured Artists
Jawara Alleyne, Shane “Dready” Aquârt, Megan Arch, Frans De Backer, Wray Banker, Heidi Bassett Blair, Cameron Bridgeman, David Bridgeman, John Broad, Kristy Capewell, Nasaria Suckoo Chollette, Randy Chollette, Leonard Dilbert, Bryony Dixon, Al Ebanks, Kerwin Ebanks, Davin Ebanks, Kaitlyn Elphinstone, Kathryn Elphinstone, Carlos Garcia, Teresa Grimes, Jamie Hahn, Heather Holt, Jenney Jackson, John Reno Jackson, Pam Kelly-Laurenson, Marc Laurenson, Iain MacRae, Tansy Maki, Chris Mann, Sarah McDougall, Michael A. Mothen, Christina Pineda, Yonier Powery, Brandon Saunders, Simone Scott, Gordon Solomon, Scott Swing, Karoly Szücs, Simon Tatum, and Debbi Truchan Marcie Wood.