The Tribune

AN Aquinas College student has won first place in the high school category of the 33rd Central Bank Art Competition and Exhibition.

Sixteen-year-old Sonae Smith’s winning piece, “Fallen, Yet We Rise”, impressed the judges with its vibrant colours, thought provoking social context and mesmerising undertones. The winning piece competed against an impressive number of entries by young artists enrolled in secondary schools throughout the Bahamas.

Established in 1984, the Central Bank Art Competition has been instrumental in uncovering and showcasing young Bahamian talent in the visual arts. For many, the competition and exhibition have served as an introduction to the Bahamian art world and the exposure received has been an invaluable first step in growing their gifts. Past winners in the high school category include Jackson Petit, Jessica Miller and Jordanna Kelly.

Throughout history, social change and art have had a symbiotic relationship. Social change is one of the driving forces that influence what artists produce. Art can effect social change, encouraging inner reflection and reawakening a resolve to transform our communities.

Sonae’s winning piece is one in a series focusing on the issue of crime in the Bahamas. Her paintings highlight the effects crime and poverty have on a person’s mindset. The winning piece, though, illuminates hope as the indomitable dancer eludes strength, determination and unfettered joy. Her piece reminds all of us that no matter how bad things appear, there is always hope.

“The painting symbolises the tension between despair and hope,” Sonae explained. “Due to the increased crime in the Bahamas, everyone has become filled with fear and grief. The dancer at the bottom of my painting depicts these emotions. The dancer on the top displays the resurrection of hope out of the grips of despair.”

Sonae had dreams of becoming an art curator. She explained that future goals include assisting young Bahamian artists to gain more exposure so that a broader range of persons recognise what Bahamians can offer in the art field. She identified Eddie Minnis and Maxwell Taylor as those who have influenced her artistically.

“On behalf of Aquinas College we would like to congratulate Sonae on her recent success at the 33rd Central Bank Art Competition & Exhibition,” said Shona Knowles, principal at Aquinas College.

“As a Catholic Board of Education (CBE) school we are committed to the education of the whole child. This translates to a dedication at Aquinas College to provide all our students with the opportunity to discover what they excel at across all subjects, including art, auto mechanics, electrical installation and cosmetology. Sonae, through her artwork, has shown that our young people are not oblivious to our social ills. I hope that her work encourages other young persons to become a part of the social dialogue and reflect upon how they can make a difference.”