Curated by Emé Paschalides and sponsored by the Cayman office of leading law firm, Mourant Ozannes,
Speak to Me – Understanding the Language of Art is an unusual examination of art as a language and the visual ‘dialects’ we encounter, from paintings of the past to avant-garde artificial intelligence. The new exhibition opens at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) on 24 September 2016.

This will be the first time that the National Gallery will utilise online interaction with digital art and QR codes where visitors will be able to unlock information using their smartphones. “This will be an exciting new way for visitors to engage with works of art, learn about artists and experience the National Gallery in a very 21st Century style,” explains the exhibitions curator, Mrs Paschalides.

The exhibition explores whether art is a language and, if so, how do we understand the language of artists. It takes its name from the Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) 1991 exhibition, Talk to Me, which explored design and objects and whether things talk to us; openly, actively or in subtle, subliminal ways. Paschalides explains, “The title of the National Gallery’s exhibition, Speak to Me, is a call to facing art
and all it expresses fearlessly, with the certitude that there is an idea in each work that real artists
always seek to share, and that we should never refrain from finding, developing or even inventing. The show hopes to remind us what art history has demonstrated – that great works do not just communicate at a cultural level but transcend the particular to speak to our common humanity, and help us think.”

Works have been included from private and public collections – from both Cayman and non-Cayman artists. Paschalides has also invited a handful of Cayman artists to create new works, including Wray Banker, Randy Cholette, Nasaria Suckoo-Cholette, Pippa Ridley, Simon Tatum and William Verhoeven to explore how artists communicate, from the traditional language of sign and symbol to the language of abstraction and conceptual installations.

The exhibition invites us to respond in a very participatory and playful way and asks us to respond to it. On one wall, visitors are invited to write down the lines of a promise to engage better when viewing art. Another exhibition highlight is an interactive digital art piece titled, Synesthesia (2016). The artificial intelligence software uses words that members of the public supply to transform a digital composition featuring colours, shapes and sounds. Depending on the mood of one’s words and opinions the work becomes a vibrant or muted addition to the collective composition of glistening spots of colour and brightness on the Gallery’s wall. The audio is dynamically generated to synchronize with the biomorphic forms and becomes a musical counterpart to the work. Depending on users input, the resulting sound and light show can be an exhilarating creative experience.

These light interactive moments throughout the show are countered by serious fare, such as a David Bridgeman’s Last Tango, an imposing and intimidating painting about death, Nasaria Suckoo Cholette’s work, The Women Have Become the Truth, on Apartheid, a crucifixion by Salvador Dalí, and images by Cuban artist Anyelmaidelin Calzadilla Fernandez on the theme oppression. Despite these dark subject matters, redemption is never far off. “We all share the same feelings about our existence and question what being human means,” says Paschalides “and sometimes there are no words to communicate these existentialist open-ended questions. Each piece of art is thus a glimpse into someone’s soul”.

In the end the curatorial choices take an extremely positive position. The title of the exhibition is a call to facing art and all it expresses with confidence and with the certitude that there is always an idea in every artwork, that we should always try to find, develop or even complete.

Mourant Ozannes’ Cayman Managing Partner, Peter Hayden, said: “We are very proud to support the National Gallery. This is a really exciting new exhibition and it’s particularly pleasing that it features work by a number of Cayman artists. We hope as many people as possible get an opportunity to come and see the exhibition.

The temporary exhibition, Speak to Me opens to the public 24 September 2016 and closes 12 January 2017. A special Members’ Reception will be held 23 September 2016 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. For more information about special lectures, workshops and family programmes related to the exhibition, visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Speak to Me – Understanding the Language of Art

DISCUSSIONS

Radio Cayman – Talk Today
Monday, 26 September 2016, 12:10 PM to 1:00 PM
Tune into 89.9 FM Radio Cayman’s Talk Today with Sterling D. Ebanks as artists and curators discuss the language of art and the National Gallery’s temporary exhibition Speak to Me. The segment begins at
12:10 PM and runs until 1:00 PM. Listeners are welcome to call in throughout the show to ask questions and air opinions. Call 1-800-534-TALK (8255) or 949-8037.

EY’s Art Talks for Older Adults
Mondays – 3 & 17 October 2016, 7 November 2016. Talks begin at 9:40 AM. Doors open at 9:00 AM. EY’s Art Talks are open to the public and facilitate thought provoking discussions and time for seniors to socialise, aiming to improve health and strengthen a sense of well-being. Free coffee, tea and snacks are provided for seniors (over 65yrs). This programme is free to attend and is kindly sponsored by EY. Special Art Talk Sessions & Garden Lunches take place 17 November 2016 and 15 December 2016 from12:00 PM until 1:30 PM. Seniors will receive a 10% discount during Garden Lunches (reservations necessary). For additional details or to RSVP please email [email protected] or call (345)
945 8111.

Special Discussion for Artists
Thursday, 6 October 2016. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Discussions begin at 5:30 PM.
Join art critic and curator Emé Paschalides for a special discussion with artists. Using the National Gallery’s temporary exhibition, Speak to Me as a platform for discussion, artists are invited to share their views on the language of art. This programme is free to attend and members of the public are welcome to sit in. Wine and nibbles will be served. For additional details or to RSVP please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Say it in Paint Family Day
Saturday, 12 November 2016, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join the NGCI Education Department for free family fun art activities based on the contemporary art exhibition Speak to Me. Activity sheets and art activities will be available for children of all ages in the National Gallery. Self-guided tour packs can be collected at reception for families to use as they explore the temporary exhibition. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase in the Art Café. Admission is free and open to all ages. For additional details email [email protected] or call (345)
945 8111.

Family Scrap-booking Workshop
Saturday, 12 November 2016, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Unlock your creativity and discover new ways to tell your story through the art of scrap-booking.
Explore patterns, shape and colours to tell your family’s unique story. All materials are provided and the event is open to children of all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a free drop-in

event however pre-registration is a must as the workshop is limited to 20 students. Please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111 to register.

Free Family Guides
Ongoing
24 September 2016 until 12 January 2017
Families can download a free copy of the Speak to Me exhibition guide in advance of their visit from the National Gallery website at www.nationalgallery.org.ky. Guides include additional information about the artists, exhibition themes, discussion points and creative art activities. These can be completed at home or during your visit to the exhibition. Family guides are also available at reception upon arrival to the National Gallery.

SCHOOLS & TEACHERS

Creative Worksheets ∙ Educational Resources for Students
Ongoing
24 September 2016 until 12 January 2017
The National Gallery’s Education Department has produced fun-filled educational activities in the form of worksheets for all ages to support the exhibition Speak to Me. These educational resources can be downloaded for free from the NGCI website – www.nationalgallery.org.ky and will be made available during school tours and can be requested at reception throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Free School Tours for All Ages
Guided Tours and Activities by Appointment
24 September 2016 until 12 January 2017
Free guided tours of the temporary exhibition Speak to Me – are available for students and youth groups
of all ages at the National Gallery. Students will discuss the exhibition and get hands-on with interactive activity sheets. Topics covered include art, social studies, narratives, literacy and numeracy. For information or to book a tour contact NGCI at (345) 945 8111 or [email protected].

Educators’ Happy Hour!
Friday, 30 September, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The National Gallery invites teachers and educators to join us for an informative evening of art activities, inspiring exhibition tours, socialising and wine! If you are an educator interested in bringing your students to the Gallery, this event will provide you with a firsthand experience of all that NGCI has to offer. Our staff will demonstrate a variety of educational tours and programmes available to students and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about these opportunities. In our studio,
we’ll lead you through a fun art project to give you an example of student art activities. Mingle with your fellow educators, enjoy some beverages and nibbles, learn about Caymanian art and create your own masterpiece – this event will be a fantastic way to plan your upcoming field trip, and enjoy a great start
to the weekend! For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jessica Ebanks at
[email protected] or call (345) 945-8111.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Members’ Reception
Friday, 23 September 2016, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
A special late night event for National Gallery members and guests will be held to celebrate the opening of Speak to Me. Enjoy great music, cocktails and canapés. This is an invitation only event. For more information about National Gallery membership programmes email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

Garden Lunch & Short Documentary
Thursday, 13 October 2016
The Short Film Screening begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM
Learn about artist John Baldessari and how he uses art to speak to his audiences. A short 5min documentary, A Brief History of John Baldessari (2012) will be playing on a loop beginning at 12:00 noon. The lunchtime short film screening is free and open to the public and will be followed by a delicious garden lunch. Lunch will be served by the NGCI Art Café in the gardens between 12:30pm and 2:00pm. Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more.

Silent Film Movie Marathon
Saturday, 29 October 2016, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cine Club presents a silent film movie marathon in the Dart Auditorium. Like paintings or any other art
form that communicates without words, silent films are challenged to create magic and hold an audience’s attention without dialogue. If you would like to explore some of the great films from the golden age of silent cinema, come to our day of free screenings of notable Silent Films, which includes works by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fritz Lang, and many more. For a complete film schedule visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky.

Garden Lunch & Lecture
Thursday, 17 November 2016
The lecture begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM
Join art critic and curator Emé Paschalides for a special lecture of the contemporary exhibition, Speak to
Me. The 20-minute lecture is free and open to the public and will be followed by a delicious garden lunch. The lecture begins at 12:00 noon and lunch will be served by the NGCI Art Café in the gardens between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more. For menu details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

Poetry Evening with Dr. Mervin Morris – Cayman Islands Poetry Festival 2016
Monday, 5 December 2016, 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Ranked amongst the top West Indian poets, the National Gallery is honoured to host Dr. Mervyn Morris as part of the inaugural Cayman Islands Poetry Festival (CIPF). As the festival’s special guest, Dr. Morris will be performing a live reading of his poetry and reflecting on the importance of keep literature alive
as a way to preserve the nation’s cultural values and heritage. The cocktail reception, live poetry reading and after-hours celebration of art and poetry is open to the public. Admission is free. For additional details about CIPF and to RSVP email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/caymanpoetry16.

Holiday Garden Lunch & Lecture
Thursday, 15 December 2016
The lecture begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM.
Join the National Gallery’s Assistant Curator, Kerri-Anne Chisholm for a special lecture of the contemporary exhibition, Speak to Me. The 20-minute lecture is free and open to the public and will be followed by a delicious garden lunch inspired by the holiday season! The lecture begins at 12:00 noon and lunch will be served by the NGCI Art Café in the gardens between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM.

Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more. For menu details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

Members’ Christmas Party
Friday, 9 December 2016, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
The National Gallery invites all members to a special after-hours viewing and festive celebration! Enjoy
the contemporary exhibition, Speak to Me while sipping on mulled wine and mingling with fellow members. Admission is free for all members. For details and to become a National Gallery member email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

Happy Hour Closing Event
Friday, 6 January 2017, 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM
Stop by the National Gallery for a closing celebration of the National Gallery’s contemporary art exhibition Speak to Me. Organised by the Butterfield Young Patrons Circle (BYPC) the event boasts live performances, nibbles and delicious cocktails. Mingle with artists, curators and like-minded individuals. Admission is free and curator led tours will run every 30 minutes. To learn more about BYPC please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or by calling (345) 945 8111.

A Last Look – Garden Lunch & Lecture
Thursday, 12 January 2017
The lecture begins at 12:00 PM and lunch is served until 2:00 PM.
Join art critic and curator Emé Paschalides for a special last look at the contemporary exhibition, Speak to Me. The 20-minute lecture is free and open to the public and will be followed by a delicious garden lunch. The lecture begins at 12:00 noon and lunch will be served by the NGCI Art Café in the gardens between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more. For menu details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

GALLERY SHOP

The National Gallery Store works with NGCI curators and artists to find the very best products to support the temporary exhibition schedule. Throughout the exhibition, Speak to Me, the NGCI Store will feature books, accessories, art supplies, and kids items that will inspire ingenuity and encourage one to make a BIG NOISE with a little creativity! NGCI members receive a 10% discount, plus additional sales on art supplies and merchandise will run throughout the exhibition.

Christmas Artisans’ Fair
10 December 2016, 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Shop local this holiday season and support your creative community. The National Gallery’s annual Artisans’ Fair takes place 10 December from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM in the lower exhibition hall. Over 20 artisans will be on site to discuss their handcrafted products. Unique gift items for all ages will be on sale throughout the day and proceeds from purchases made in the NGCI store help to support free
admission and free public programme for everyone. Festive refreshments will be on sale in the NGCI Art
Café. Admission is free and all are welcome.

NGCI Book Club
24 September 2016 to 12 January 2017
Throughout the contemporary art exhibition, Speak to Me National Gallery curators will discuss how art communicates, how we communicate through art, and how we perceive art. Inner Journeying Through

Art-Journaling is an introduction to the journaling process that combines art, art therapy, design theory, and spiritual direction in order to communicate a resolution. Marianne Hieb, a trained studio artist and art therapist, guides readers through the process of creative journaling and presents key elements of techniques. Copies of the book are on sale in the NGCI Store throughout the exhibition.

Contact Us

For more information regarding any of the events listed above and to RSVP please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or by calling (345) 945 8111.

About the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Established in 1996, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is the country’s leading visual arts museum and education centre, charged with promoting and encouraging the appreciation and practice of the visual arts in the Cayman Islands. This mission is achieved through exhibitions,
education/outreach programmes, school tours, community festivals, and ongoing research projects. Holding up to six exhibitions annually at our central exhibition space, and satellite venues around Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands, the curatorial team strives to create a balance between exhibitions of quality Caymanian artwork with art from further afield. This is achieved by working with a broad cross- section of artists and ranging from site-specific work to more traditional gallery-based projects.
NGCI is at the forefront of visual arts education in the Cayman Islands hosting 25+ education and outreach programmes monthly, across all three islands. These programmes aim to capture every age group in our community from the youngest pre-schoolers to senior citizens, in addition to marginalized members of our community. They combine arts education with enriching creative experiences which foster creativity, help build self-esteem, and provide effective and invaluable explorations of culture, cultural heritage, national identity and community values.

NGCI Site & Facility
The new National Gallery building is a 9,000 sq. ft. facility situated on the western side of the Esterley Tibbetts Bypass, close to Camana Bay town centre and adjacent to the Harquail Theatre. The new development is home to two temporary exhibition areas, an art studio, library, auditorium, sculpture garden, Art Café and Gift Shop, and a permanent gallery for the Cayman Islands National Art Collection. As part of the National Gallery’s long-term business plan, an auditorium and multi-purpose event space have been incorporated into the design providing flexible venue options for conferences. The main conference sessions will be held in the Dart Auditorium. This room holds up to 80 persons seated comfortably and has full audio/visual equipment and internet access. In addition, the NGCI has an on- site Events Team who are experienced in managing events for up to 400 persons.

IMAGES:

Synesthesia by William Verhoeven

Collecting Turtles by Simon Tatum

Drifting Dreaming by Gordon Solomon