The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

The Salus Project dedicated its latest exhibition “Pulse” to raising awareness for heart disease in children in the Bahamas.

Opening Thursday at the Ladder Gallery, the exhibition is being staged in partnership with the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. All proceeds from the event will go towards children in need of heart surgery.

The twelve participating artists in “Pulse” include: June Collie, Preston Hanna, Deime Ubani, Chris Symonette, Andret John, Kara Cartwright, Diara Ferguson, Genaye Sheramn, Elkino Dames, Charlthorn Strachan, Allan P Wallace and Yutavia. There will be 21 works on display. These pieces differ in style and media.

“The working process and styles of each artist diverge; therefore, their approach to the theme “pulse” is varied. The aesthetics, concept and media of each work correlates to the artist’s individual style. Some mediums are oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, mahogany wood and plaster of paris.”

Yutavia said the name “Pulse” was born in collaboration with Demie Ubani. They came up with the decision while considering the effects of the Sassoon Heart Foundation.

“The word Pulse literally means a rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them. Upon an emergency one of the first things medical team check is a person’s pulse. We use this word to symbolically represent The Salus Project, The Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation and other organisations who impact the community. Organisations that identify a problem, that locate solutions and collaborate with other associations. Most importantly, the title pulse represents organisations who create and sustain a “pulse” in our society,” said Yutavia.

June said with events like these, they are hoping that efforts to educate the public will result in early diagnosis, additional funding for support and educational services, and access to quality care of Bahamian children.

Similar to June, Yutavia said events like “Pulse” help to educate, raise funds and support the public, the families and the children who are affected by heart disease.

“The Salus Project gears artists to take on the opportunity in showcasing their work under a cohesive theme. The Salus Project is committed to combining health and wellness with art and design. This is the second exhibition The Salus Project is having in relation to the Sir Victor Sassoon Bahamas Heart Foundation. The first one was called “Matters of the Heart” which was held last year at New providence community centre JFK and Blake Road,” said Yutavia.

June said the event will benefit children with heart disease in the Bahamas by sharing experiences through art. At the event, they are providing information about heart disease in The Bahamas and they hope to raise public awareness about the conditions that affect many people, especially the children. With the selling of art, these funds can be donated to this important cause.

“We want people to understand the seriousness of this disease, not only does it affect us here in the Bahamas, but worldwide. We want people to start discussions about it, we want them to ask ‘how can I help?’ We need them to realise how important life is,” said June.

This exhibition will be displayed at the Ladder Gallery for two weeks.