Asher Mains Video, “The Sea as History”
Forming a critical mass in the region is the Grenada Contemporary Exhibit. In its first expression, in 2014, the exhibit was visited by one of the most important curators in the region, Jose Manual Noceda from Cuba. His attendance put Grenadian artists who participated into an official register of Caribbean artists and helped give a footing for future exposure. In 2015, more artists exhibited and the curatorial theme of how technology has affected society resonated especially with a younger audience. In a few short years and coupled with international exposure of Grenada’s artists, the Grenada Contemporary Exhibit is gaining momentum as one of the region’s premier contemporary art exhibits.
The curatorial theme for the 3rd expression of the Grenada Contemporary Exhibit is “The Bridge”. An open call was sent out world wide for artists to think beyond the physical representations of a bridge into a more conceptual realm. In particular, the concept of “the bridge” is relevant in translating the local to the global and the metaphorical bridges that are necessary to make those connections. 18 artists from 9 countries will be exhibited in what may be one of Grenada’s most internationally diverse contemporary art exhibitions to date.
On Saturday October 8th, at 6:00pm at the Susan Mains Gallery at Spiceland Mall, Grand Anse, there will be an artist talk involving all of the artists who are able to attend. During openings one does not have very much time to talk to the artist about their work and so on the 8th, artists will talk about their work and answer questions to an audience that will be getting a preview of the show before the opening.
On Tuesday October 11th at 5:30pm at the Susan Mains Gallery is the opening reception when people will be able to get together and see the work of renowned international artists such as Jason deCaires Taylor (Britain), Manfred Kielnhofer (Austria), and Khaled Hafez Egypt). Local artists Asher Mains, Rene Froehlich, Suelin Low Chew Tung and Oliver Benoit are also in the line up as well as promising young artist John Henry.
Grenada is leaping chasms and building bridges, solidifying its position as a stronghold of contemporary art in the region. In preparations for its second appearance with a National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Grenada is showing that it has the staying power to continue making an impression on the international contemporary art scene. In the region, Cuba is the only other country to appear in two consecutive Biennales. The proverbial gates have been opened and the artists of Grenada have unprecedented access to the eyes, minds and hearts of the world.
Grenada is continuing to make an indelible mark on the region and the contemporary art world. Be a part of this exciting time in contemporary art in Grenada with us by joining on October 8th and 11th!
Manfred Kielnhofer “Guardians of Time”
