National Gallery of the Cayman Islands presents ‘The road not taken’

By ARC Magazine

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is delighted to exhibit new works by artist David Bridgeman. This site-specific exhibition is the culmination of many years’ work based on the combined landscapes of the artist’s native England and his long-time home, the Cayman Islands. Mr Bridgeman explains, “My landscapes are inextricably linked with the country of my birth but rely heavily on the fact that I have lived in this one very different place for 27 years. The forms constantly referenced are Cayman’s red birch trees and the iron shore rock. The spaces created within the artwork relate to places where I grew up, such as the Oxfordshire landscape. The whole piece is bound together with a strong sense of belonging and contains the intricate fabric of memory which, I think, helps to uniquely define some artists.”

David Bridgeman, Industrial Landscape, Oil on canvas Oil pastel, charcoal, 51 in x 76 in, 2014. From the collection of Lisa & Alasdair Robertson

David Bridgeman, Industrial Landscape, Oil on canvas Oil pastel, charcoal, 51 in x 76 in, 2014. From the collection of Lisa & Alasdair Robertson

The road not taken is a reflection on choices made (or not) in life. It surveys a landscape that binds the worlds of the past and present – of the Caribbean and Britain – and attempts to create an emotional and expressive view of a world as seen by both child and adult.

The exhibition revolves around a central installation titled Landscape of the Soul which features a woodland setting created by a series of 23 light tubes. David Bridgeman has worked with a translucent plastic called Lexan to create the central installation of a small woodland forest. On one side the tubes have been painted with homemade brushes the size of mops constructed in part from the bark of red birch trees, and on the other side the tubes have been drawn on with pen and ink. Mr Bridgeman comments, “The work was inspired by the Canadian artist Arlene Waslynchuk, who gave me great encouragement to experiment with the material used in the installation. She has sadly since passed away but this exhibition is dedicated to her for all the advice and support that she gave me in the very short time that I knew her.”

The 22 tubes surround a central tree – the Poem Tree, containing the poem by Robert Frost which lends the exhibition its name – and are illuminated within to show a number of markings and symbols depicting red birch tree bark, ironshore, micro-organisms, plants and views of a changing landscape. The title of the exhibition comes from a Robert Frost poem, The Road Not Taken. “I thought the poem served as a good metaphor to describe that point in time when I had to make key choices in life; none of them wrong ones, but it left me contemplating how life could have been so completely different if I had taken a different road,” says Mr Bridgeman.

David Bridgeman, Landscape of the Soul, 23 light tubes, Oil, acrylic and oil pastel on Lexan, Bamboo pen and Ink, Plywood, Wall drawing, 96 in x 96 in x 108 in, 2014.

David Bridgeman, Landscape of the Soul, 23 light tubes, Oil, acrylic and oil pastel on Lexan, Bamboo pen and Ink, Plywood, Wall drawing, 96 in x 96 in x 108 in, 2014.

The theme continues in the outer exhibition space with a series of new paintings, limited edition etchings and preparatory drawings. The exhibition explores the county of Oxfordshire in England where the artist grew up in painting, drawing and print. Using oils, charcoal and oil pastels the artist seeks to depict a view that, over time, has become inextricably linked with his current home in the Cayman Islands. It contains an iconic landmark, the Wittenham Clumps: a small group of trees atop an ancient mound which featured prominently in the artist’s youth.

The exhibition explores the concept that our landscapes affect us deeply and in different ways. As such the expressionistic works tell the story of Mr Bridgeman’s views of his landscapes from past and recent memories. Mr Bridgeman adds, “The work highlights the fact that the way we view a landscape as a child is markedly different from how we view it with the passing of time.”

As Mr Bridgeman prepares to reflect on the work created for the exhibition he looks forward to progressing his work using the exhibition as a platform for future works. “I am beginning to feel the excitement build. Now that the work is complete after a year of preparation and I can get a sense of the whole thing, I am really looking forward to seeing how viewers will respond. I hope to take the work further and am planning to exhibit overseas.”

Admission to David Bridgeman – The road not taken is free and is now on exhibit in the lower gallery at The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands until 29 January 2015. For more information about the exhibition, upcoming programme of events, and information on how to purchase or exhibit work contact [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

ARC Magazine

ARC Inc. is a non-profit print and online publication and social platform launched in 2011. It seeks to fill a certain void by offering a critical space for contemporary artists to present their work while fostering and developing critical dialogues and opportunities for crucial points of exchange. ARC is an online and social space of interaction with a developed methodology of sharing information about contemporary practices, exhibitions, partnerships, and opportunities occurring in the Caribbean region and throughout its diasporas.

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Calling all Cayman Island volunteers for Red Sky At Night!

Saturday, 28th February 2015

There are so many ways you can take part and have an amazing time during Cayman’s national festival of the arts!

Where would you like to volunteer?

Choose from:

*Artist Check-in

*Backstage

*CNCF Shop

*Creative Kids

*Costume Wearer

*Evaluation Teams

*Emcees

*Film Screenings

*Fire Marshalls

*Cafe Cayman Liaison (Food Court)

*Gate Runners

*Lifeguards / Pond supervisors

*Parking / Traffic Assistants

*Performing Artist Liaison

*Photography

*Set Up and/or Break Down

*Stage Management

Studio Bar & Popcorn Shop

*Technical Areas

*Ticket Sales

*Tree Decorating Liaison

*Ushering

*Visual Artist Liaison

*Volunteer Coordination & Food Distribution

**SHIFTS AVAILABLE FROM 6AM – Midnight! 3-4 hrs. each shift.**

Email [email protected] to sign up, stating what area you wish to volunteer for, and providing your name and contact number.