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.

"MASKON CHALLENGE"

Inspiration

On March 22, 2020, as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was spreading around the world, I found inspiration in something that was also viral at the time. It was a song created by a dj/producer by the name of IMarkkeyz. He created a beat and a song out of American rapper, Cardi B’s coronavirus video commentary.

So I took a picture of myself wearing a mask and recorded myself creating it. Watch the video ————————————————->>>>>>>


Then the challenge was born!

 

When the voting was done I did two live paintings on Facebook. You can click the buttons below to watch them.

“Maskon 1” - This first painting that kicked it off.

“Maskon 1” - This first painting that kicked it off.

“Maskon 2”

“Maskon 2”


The Wrap up

To conclude the challenge, I gave a few words about the experience and words of encouragement during the time of lockdown. Take a look: