From The National gallery of the Cayman Islands

The National Gallery has secured a recent work by artist Joe Bernard for the National Collection. La Tortuga and Three Angels, which was previously featured in the 2012 Ogier Art Award exhibition, has been generously donated by the artist who is leaving the island in July. The large format pencil work depicts a Cayman turtle swimming with three angel fish and the artist felt that it was a fitting tribute to an island that he and his family have come to love.

Says Mr Bernard, “I am so pleased that this work has found a home in the permanent collection of the National Gallery.  I feel that it is a small thank you to an island and people that have given me and my family so much.  The inspiration and warmth to be found here will be fondly missed, as will the unique natural environment which has provided an inspiration for much of my work.  If anything speaks to me about Cayman, it is the tie to the sea and the beauty and tranquility that can be found just beneath the surface.”

Mr Bernard, who hails from Peachtree, Georgia, studied Fine Arts & English as the University of Mississippi. He worked as a freelance photographer and writer while teaching art in Malawi, Central Africa until moving to Grand Cayman2007 to teach fine art at Cayman Prep and High School.  During his time in the Cayman Islands, his work has featured in many local exhibitions and it resides in private collections in Switzerland, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Scotland, England, U.S., Canada and Grand Cayman.

The National Gallery is delighted to be entrusted with the La Tortuga and Three Angels , which will be on display for visitors to enjoy in the National Gallery’s Upper Gallery from September 2013.

For more on this story and all the events in the attachments go to: https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/