Art Exhibition Progression Shines Through

Barbadian artists on Thursday indeed shone through allowing “The Tradition of Excellence” to come alive during the launch of the visual arts Exhibition “Progression”.

Held in the Queen Park Art Gallery, in The City, many came out to view the work of artists for the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) Showcase.

This year a heavy emphasis was placed on digital art, though many pieces were displayed physically.

Chief Cultural Officer at the National Cultural Foundation Andrea Wells informed that greater interest will be placed in promoting art online so as to get Barbadian Art to the world.

The art gallery catered to a mixed crowd of both seasoned and younger, up-and-coming award-winning artists.

Speaking with Barbados TODAY was veteran visual Artist Arlette St Hill who has been honing her craft for more than four decades.

She spoke of how the pandemic affected the ability to create but added that she’s very happy to be able to be back out for in-person exhibits.

“COVID-19 has made a significant difference in the experience of NIFCA. This is over two years we have not been able to participate. Of course, there’s a virtual exhibition, which is on at the moment, but it is still wonderful to come out and see this exhibition here in person,” she said.

Ceramic artist and sculptor Melanie D’Oliviera said that she was very proud of her pieces this year, some of which focused on the expression of plus-sized women and Barbadian fruits.

Giving an inspirational address was well-known artist Sheena Rose who reminded the artists that it all starts with an idea and it’s up to them to make the idea come alive.

She shared her all-inspiring story of the not-always-easy process of getting an idea out from mind to paper.

Also having their art on display for the evening were artists such as Tracy DeOlivere Greenidge with his impressive digital compilation, Jefferson Folkes, with his 2003 piece, Life In Transition, and Gloria Chung with her 2022 Brown Earthenware piece entitled Nature’s Gifts – to name a few.

The exhibition Progression continues until December 3. (MR)