Two of the artists represented by the Vetivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery of Dominica returned home with their curator after showing in a dynamic and inspiring Fair in Barbados. The 14th edition of the Caribbean Fine Art (CaFA) Fair Barbados, took place from March 6th to 10th, at the Bagnalls Point Gallery, Pelican Village Craft Center in Bridgetown.
The artists represented by Vetivert Contemporary were award-winning and internationally collected artists; Carol Sorhaindo, Micheal Lees, Marica Honychurch, and Aaron Hamilton as well as emerging Sculpture and Jewelry Artist Yaena Eugene-Carbon. A diverse collection of paintings, sculpture, and photographs were showcased in a specially
curated room within the fair, offering attendees a unique and immersive experience of Dominican art.
Visitors were able to experience a thought-provoking exhibition that explored pressing social issues and histories. Artists and Curator Carla Armour spoke of the significance of the Gallery showing at an international fair, “our attendance at CaFA means that we showed the work of five of our artists to a new market, opened opportunities for our
artists to network and broaden conversations around regional collaborations and international opportunities.”
In addition to the exhibition, Armour was also invited to present and moderate a panel discussion on the Finalé event Sunday, March 10th, 2024. The panel was introduced by CaFA Fair director Anderson Pilgrim, with presentations by David Emmanuel Noel, Artist & Director of Occhi Arts & Entertainment, and Tony Cole of Cole’s Art Gallery (UK), Jeanelle Brisbane – founder of Wild Dominique (via video), and Mr. Richardo Marshall, Director R2RP in the Prime Minister’s Office, Barbados.
The engaging presentations on the topic; ‘Artists in their environment, how their work is informed by their role as climate change collaborators, commentators and change motivators’, inspired in-depth discussions and debates.
“It was an honour to represent our artists and moderate the panel discussion on a hybrid stage, globally digital and in-person at CaFA.” said Carla Armour. “Our participation in this event marks a significant milestone in our Gallery’s journey towards international recognition and market visibility for our local Artist and Dominica’s Creative sector.”
The new gallery installed their first exhibition of Fine Art paintings and photographs last April with follow-up installations in October and December 2023.
Vetivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery of Dominica is located at Lacou Restaurant & Private Dining Room within the Historic Melrose House and courtyard situated on the edge of Roseau’s French Quarter. “Our vision is to provide our represented Dominican artists with mentorship, curation, and international exposure, to position our art alongside the best in the world,” says Carla Armour, Curator and one of Vetivert Contemporary’s eight represented Artists.
I applaud the gallery’s vision of providing mentorship for Dominican artists.
But until all aspects of the creative arts are given recognition in our Secondary Schools and the State College, creative talent will go abegging.
The talents of one of my life class students – talents for which he could find no support in our schools – are now sort after elsewhere in the world.