The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE VOGA body art show by Unique Facial Arts and Designs brought to the forefront art on an a typical canvas: the human body.

The show featured pieces from five international face and body painting artists in a live runway show, including Selina Sweeting, Lorie Hamel and Deeva of Canada, Mandi Ilene and Della Morte of Orlando, Florida. For the runway show each artist painted three models.   

“I did not know the human body could be transformed into such beautiful creations. I actually wanted to hang one of the models on my wall at home,” said Sharon, a patron of the event. “People now see that the possibilities where art is concerned locally are endless,” she said.

Bahamian artist Monty Knowles also showcased his live body painting at the event. Monty’s Junkanoo Nymph Devinya exhibit represented his first body art show locally. His work has been exhibited internationally. He called the local show a “rewarding experience”.

“This was the first local art event. In the past I have painted for gallery openings showing my photographs, but not locally. The show was well-managed by Selina who did a remarkable job with minimum resources and time. It was rewarding to see how many Bahamians were able to appreciate the painted human form as art. We really are not as close-minded as a few would like us to believe. This realisation was the most rewarding experience of the entire show,” he said.

Anna, an art lover said she was also surprised by the appreciation attendees had for the artists.

“Body art is not something you see every day. It is not something you see on display at the local art galleries all the time either. This show was different and it presented something different.  I have always been a lover of art and I was surprised people actually appreciated the work of the artists. There needs to be more events like this one in the future, otherwise you would never know what talent exists in the country,” she said.