David Bridgeman – The Road Not Taken

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is delighted to introduce an exhibition of new works by the local 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. Says Mr Bridgeman, “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.”

The exhibition revolves around a central installation which features a woodland setting created by a series of light tubes. The theme continues with a series of new paintings, limited edition etchings and preparatory drawings. Mr Bridgeman has experimented with a material called Lexan, a translucent plastic, to create the central installation of a small woodland. The tubes have been painted with homemade brushes the size of mops, constructed in part from the bark of red birch trees. 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 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.”

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,” comments Mr Bridgeman.

As part of the installation process Mr Bridgeman worked closely with the National Gallery’s Deutsche Bank Intern, Lyle Anderton. “It was a fantastic learning experience to see how much work goes into putting on a solo exhibition. I was able to assist with the installation process and by working directly with the artist I now understand the thought process behind the work,” says Mr Anderton.

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. For more information about the exhibition and the upcoming programme of events contact [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.

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Photo captions

Artist David Bridgeman and NGCI Deutsche Bank Intern Lyle Anderton work on the installation as part of the exhibition The Road Not Taken.

Artist David Bridgeman works on a charcoal drawing as part of the exhibition The Road Not Taken.

The Road Not Taken – Programme of Events

David Bridgeman – The Road Not Taken

Exhibition, 3 December 2014 until 29 January 2015

An opening reception for National Gallery members and guests will be held on Wednesday, 3 December 2014 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Lunchtime Lecture with the Artist – David Bridgeman

Event, Thursday 4 December 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

This event includes a tour during which David Bridgeman, artist and curator of the exhibition The Road Not Taken will discuss how the work was developed and the themes and the stories behind the images. The lunchtime tour is free of charge. Donations are welcome. Refreshments will be available for purchase in the NGCI Art Café.

British Art at War: Paul Nash – The Ghosts of War (2014)

Film Screening and discussion, 8 January 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Documentary in which the work of the World War I artist, Paul Nash, is explored. Nash and Bridgeman are connected in that both artists feature the Oxfordshire landscape and in particular the ancient site of Wittenham Clumps. The film screening will be followed by a discussion with David Bridgeman, artist and curator of the exhibition, The Road Not Taken. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Donations welcome.

The Art of Landscapes: A Special Lecture by David Bridgeman

Event, Thursday 15 January 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Come and discover the art of landscapes with David Bridgeman, local artist and curator, where he examines the way landscape painting has evolved since the 17th century in Britain and considers how his own work fits into a new appreciation of the landscape. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Late Night & Closing Party

Event, Thursday 29 January 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The National Gallery will be open to the public for a late night viewing of the exhibition David Bridgeman – The Road Not Taken. In addition to the late night viewing, David Bridgeman will give a special presentation about his work from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Dart Auditorium followed by live entertainment. Admission to the event is free and refreshments will be available.

Kids Events and Workshops

Landscape Art Workshops for Kids

A hands-on workshop for kids ages 7-11 years

Workshop, Saturday 10 January 2015 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon

This hands-on workshop for kids led by artist David Bridgeman will explore the art of landscapes. Students will use materials that have been used in the exhibition The Road Not Taken. Course fees are $30 per student ($25 for NGCI members) and includes a two hour workshop and materials.

Family Fun Day – Exploring Landscapes

Event, Saturday 24 January 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Join us for free drop-in art activities based on the exhibition David Bridgeman – The Road Not Taken. Family activity sheets and art materials will be available for children of all ages in The National Gallery breezeway and self-guided tour packs can be collected in the Gallery for families to use as they explore the art of landscapes. Free coffee and tea will also be available in the Art Café.

Shop

Our Gift Shop works with NGCI curators and artists to find the very best products to support our exhibition schedule. For David Bridgeman – The Road Not Taken, the artist has produced a limited edition of etchings to accompany the exhibition inspired by the combined landscapes of his native England and his long-time home the Cayman Islands. These etchings offer a unique, affordable opportunity to purchase David’s highly collectible work, as well supporting NGCI’s educational programming. A chance not to be missed!

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.