The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Reporter

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IN ADDITION to showcasing Bahamian art, celebrating the work of artists in the Caribbean and across regional borders has always been an objective of Hillside House Studio and Gallery.

Last week the Cuban Embassy and the Hillside House joined forces for the opening of an art exhibition between Cuban and Bahamian artists in celebration of Cuba’s Culture National Day.

The exhibition featured artistic renderings of Bahamian artist Nadine Seymour-Munroe, from her recent “Feel The Rhythm” exhibition, and several Cuban artists. They depicted the yesteryears of Bahamian life.

Cuban artist Nestor Fernandez exhibited his work in the Bahamas for the first time. Nestor’s work was a figurative wood sculpture of historical Cuban dancers.

“I am excited to be a part of the event. It is pleasure to be here for the first time with my friends. I came to show the Bahamian people what I do,” he said.

Antonius Roberts, owner of Hillside House, said the event served the purpose of continuing the cultural exchange started in October 2012.

“We have built a wonderful relationship with the Cuban ambassador and last year he approached us about hosting an exhibit. That went well so from last year to now it has really grown. Once gain we feel honoured to be able to host artists who have been recommended by the embassy, artists who are important to Cuba. It is a cultural exchange and being able to see artwork in the Bahamas in relationship to artwork from persons outside of the Bahamas, again we can see ourselves in the context of art being produced regionally,” Mr Roberts said.

The bilateral relationship is also intended to strengthen and develop the sociocultural links between the Bahamas and Cuba, said Ernesto Guzman, Cuban Ambassador to the Bahamas.

The event cerebrated several events, including the 40th anniversary of independence of the Bahamas, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Cuba’s national hero José Martí, Cuba’s National Cultural Day, and the second cultural exchange between the Bahamas and Cuba.

“We organised a similar event last year. Now the Cuban artists get a chance to come here and see the work of the Bahamian artists, so it is a very useful exchange to take place among both countries. It is important for them to come in the same space, share ideas and share culture.

“Next year I think the exchange will be more important because we will celebrate the bilateral and diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Bahamas. Once more the culture of Cuba and the Bahamas becomes bridged, and also a bridge between the people of Cuba and the people of the Bahamas,” he said.