The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN artists Marco Mullings and Imogene Walkine unveiled new works last night during a joint show. Chroma opened at the Gallery at Old Fort Bay and runs for one week. The show features a combination of poetry and painting, using the life, colour and vibrancy of nature and Junkanoo as a theme.

“This is something that has been planned for three years and it is the first of a two part segment. There are many Junkanoo images in the show, but nature is also ever present.

“Apart from being the subject matter of many Junkanoo groups, Bahamian culture and the natural environment inspires all we see, think and do. It is that life that inspires me as an artist to produce work that is dear to my heart, but also the things that I appreciate in life,” Mr Mullings told Tribune Arts.

The show consists of 30 pieces which reflect various aspects of Junkanoo and nature. Mullings, who is also an art teacher at St Augustine’s College, strayed from his usual techniques opting for wood as the medium.

“I try to capture images that everyone can recognize. I did this in my own way, with my own colours and I focused on the area that I wanted people to see. As it is my belief that art has a way of changing a mood and transforming an area, the process was transforming for me as I attempted to capture the work using predominantly wood,” said Mr Mullings.

“The surface was much different to canvas, and lent itself to feeling almost like grafitti on a wall or building. Working on wood is nothing new for me or art in general, but I really wanted to do something different, something new, and something that most artists were not. I also attempted to abandon the conventional shapes as most of the work reflects circular or ovular shapes. This to me was fun and experimental, but something I want to continue to develop as I seldom work on a single canvas now, as most of my work is normally in a series. This is my first project for the year. I wish to get in to more three dimensional pieces as I try utilize my Junkanoo background,” he said.

Imogene who is known for ceramic renderings explored similar themes. She started out first as a painter but began to grow a passion for ceramics.

Most of the work she creates is inspired by the natural environment. She describes them as “extractions from nature”. Usually her work reflects Junkanoo themes with masks having a strong presence.

Recently Ms Walkine’s work has become increasingly abstract as she seeks to “represent the life force and continual evolution which is within all of God’s creations.”

She has participated in numerous exhibitions in recent years including solo exhibitions at the Pro Gallery, College of the Bahamas in 2004 and the Ladder Gallery in 2008.

She received a Bachelor of Arts with honours from Goldsmith’s College, University of London. She is also a teacher at CV Bethel Senior High School.