The Tribune

Galleries and artists are gearing up for Nassau’s annual Transforming Spaces art tour. Tickets are now on sale for the two day bus tour set for March 16 and 17 at eight participating galleries.

Last year’s tour, under the theme of Fibre, challenged artists to use indigenous materials in innovative ways, treating viewers to a fascinating exploration of local material and impressive displays. This year, the tour will revert to its traditional format where each participating gallery curates their own space, spotlighting and celebrating Bahamian art through a wide cross-section of artists and practices.

The tour will begin earlier at 9:30 am and have a new point of departure. In years past, patrons gathered at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, they will now depart from Dockendale House on West Bay Street in buses provided by Bahamas Experience Tours, the event’s official transportation sponsor. The NAGB will become a formal stop on the tour with its exhibition “Single Sex”, offering a range of interpretations on portraits of women exclusively by female artists. The NAGB display will provide a refreshing spin on traditional portraiture.

At the D’Aguilar Art Foundation, the exhibition “Disrobed” will delve into the unclothed human form as interpreted by a selection of Bahamian and international artists, addressing the inspirational and controversial roles of nudity in the art world throughout history.

At the Antonius Roberts Studio and Gallery at Hillside House, the exhibition “Ripple” will also bring many artists together, but for a fundraising cause. Work by more than 50 artists will go towards arts programming such as local residencies for Bahamian artists.

The outdoor area of Stingrae Studios will hold an exhibition of realistic artwork under a variety of pleasant everyday themes by the artists Malcolm Rae, Erlin Carey, Toby Lunn, Quentin Minnis, Craig Roberts and Ana Wassitsch.

In a group show at the College of the Bahamas’ Harry C. Moore Library and Information Center, students will offer innovative and experimental takes on the theme “Kinetic”, bridging the gap between painting, sculpture and ceramics.

“Two Points of View” at Popopstudios International Center for the Visual Arts will place the works of Kendal Hanna and Eleanor Whitely side-by-side. Though the exhibition will explore the similarities and differences in technique and perspective in the work, it is also a testament to the long friendship shared by the pair as they met each week to paint and draw live models. Ceramic work by Imogene Walkine will also be on display on the porch.

The Liquid Courage Art Gallery will join the tour this year. Two artists—Dennis De Caires, born in Guyana, and Bahamian Maxwell Taylor—will showcase their woodcuts and paintings in “Stories”, drawing upon Caribbean folklore and history.

Finally, the Doongalik Studios Art Gallery will present “Su An Ty—A Symphony of Sound and Sight”, showcasing indoor and outdoor displays of metal bells by Tyrone Ferguson, ceramic bells by Sue Bennett Williams and dazzling Junkanoo-inspired pieces by Andret John.

Secure a spot on this year’s tour by reserving a $30 ticket at the Doongalik Studios Art Gallery or the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

For more about Transforming Spaces, find them on Facebook and online at www.transformingspacesbahamas.com