Contemporary Art in Grenada

A Special art exhibit, hosting the Grenada Arts Council.

Susan Mains

Oliver Benoit

Geraldine Le Leannac

Fi Fennell

Maria McClafferty

Fi Fennell

Fi Fennel

Suelin Low Chew Tung

Oliver Benoit

Asher Mains, with Minister of Culture Brenda Hood, and Curator Jose Noceda

GAC—Contemporary Art in Grenada
In an unprecedented stride forward, The Grenada Arts Council has presented Contemporary Art in Grenada, a stellar exhibition. This special exhibition that is being hosted by Art and Soul Gallery at Spiceland Mall showcases a selection of works from Grenada’s mature artists. These works are very conceptual in nature, meaning that the thought concept behind the works are then presented visually.

The artists in the exhibition were chosen through an application process. The call went out earlier this year to the over 300 artist who have participated in Grenada Arts Council exhibits over the past few years. Requirements of a professional level, such as an artist cv, images of works, and an artist’s statement were asked of the artists. The deadline of July 1st gave artists time to imagine and create their works, then present them in a professional way. This then gave the opportunity to present the work to a very important invited guest to Grenada.

Mr. Jose Noceda of the Wifredo Lam Centre in Havana Cuba is one of the curators of the Cuban Biennale. In May of 2015, the 12th Edition of the Biennale will open in Havana. The most select artists from all over the world will be invited to show their works during this very prestiges event. Because of the work of Grenada’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ms. Claris Charles, the Grenada Arts Council has been allowed to invite this curator to Grenada to look at our artists work, for possible inclusion in the Biennale.

At the opening of the exhibition Mr. Noceda shared his appreciation for the invitation to Grenada. Also present was Minister of Culture Brenda Hood, and Minister of Tourism, Alexandra Otway-Noel, as well as the Abassador of Cuba, Maria Caridad Balaguer Labrada. President of the Grenada Arts Council, Dr. Oliver Benoit welcomed the lively crowd of art lovers. Each of the artists also talked about their own work, and its significance.

Subsequently, Mr. Noceda has visited the studios of each of the artists to have extended conversations with them about their work. It is a rare privilege to have this kind of attention from such an important curator, especially in a small island that is most often overlooked.

The artists who prepared their applications and submitted work include Oliver Benoit, Asher Mains, Suelin Low Chew Tung, Fi Fennell, Geraldine Le Leannnec, Maria McClafferty and Susan Mains. Each artist has written a statement to give insight in to their work, which helps with the understanding.

Although the Grenada Arts Council was forced through economic stress to close the gallery on Young Street earlier this year, it still continues as a force for the promotion of visual artists in Grenada. This event has certainly given great hope for forward momentum.

The exhibition will hang at Art and Soul Gallery through September 25th, and the opening hours are 10 am – 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.