Mismanaged Culture

In the year 2020, during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the representatives of The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas reached out to me to be a part of a mural exhibition entitled “one:Pulse”. I gladly accepted the invitation.

Initial Feelings

All of the artists were given artistic license to create a piece about Bahamian society or culture that resonated with us. I chose to tackle an aspect that connects the two and the affects are still evident today. In the process of creating the piece, I did have a few reservations how the message would be received, which for the most part, I couldn’t be control. I had point of reference when a Bahamian visual artist made artistic social commentary beyond the interior of gallery walls. I also considered the fact that art on the island of Grand Bahama were basically pretty or dealt with subject matters far from what I dived into. Nonetheless, I had to speak my truth and I wanted others to come to grip with the an ongoing cultural transfer.

Here is a response written by Ashleigh Rolle.
https://10thyearseniors.com/2021/04/21/mismanaging-culture-the-management-of-white-fragility/

 

https://nagb.org.bs/blank-canvas-may-26th-2021-featuring-curators-natalie-willis-richardo-barrett-and-artist-benjamin-ferguson/

After the incident transpired and the word got around, The University of The Bahamas North facilitated a panel discussion.

the official panel discussion of Mismanaged Culture was held via Zoom.

Elevation Awards

Anyone Nominated for Visual Artist of the Year?...Oh me? Well alrighty then!

Nominee

The Elevation Awards celebrates the accomplishments of Bahamians in music, acting, sports, community building and other fields of entertainment. This event was the launch of it's first annual awards show. 

"If you lose the power to laugh, you lose the power to think." - Clarence Darrow.  

From left: Ben Ferguson Jr, Steffon Grant, Allan Wallace, Stefan Davis, Lincoln Deal, Jamaal Rolle. 

This was a great moment shared with great artists and entrepreneurs. Soo many jokes! The winner was Stefan Davis.

Pics from the night

This night was nothing short of entertaining, refreshing and rewarding. Met some amazing people and caught up with old friends. Thank you Elevation Awards for this humbling experience.