The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IN KEEPING with its aim of hosting exhibitions that focus on components of wellness, The Salus Project will present an interactive show entitled “In Observance” from tomorrow at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas.

According to the show’s curator, Yutavia George, “In Observance” is a group installation exhibition that considers the actions of personnel at work, with focus on resting periods, and will investigate financial and social wellness using work ethic and reflection as a platform for a social discussion,

It will also identify various professions, hierarchies and resources, the public’s response to certain job descriptions and investigating the personal aura concerning the restroom space.

“The aim of this exhibition is to highlight work ethic,” Yutavia said. “The Salus Project aims to create environments for persons to reflect on wellness and choices that can positively improve their lifestyle wellness. ‘In Observation’ investigates financial wellness and the effects it has on emotional wellness.

“People can expect to become active participants in this exhibition. It is a interactive work which considers the social space.

“The concepts for most of our exhibitions begin with a conversation among the members. If the topic is simulating to the conversation, we consider it to be a good theme for an exhibition,” she told Tribune Arts and Entertainment.

Yutavia said she hopes the installation encourages people to find solutions for issues they may face in the workplace.

“We have noticed, there are a lot of persons who are working in jobs they love, dislike, fairly like or feel oppressed in. We would like to take a moment for the audience to vent and reflect on their jobs. We want persons to give and receive inspiration as their thoughts and opinions are pivotal in the final step of this installation,” she said.

The Salus Project is an art organisation, comprising people who enjoy relating art to current issues in the Bahamas. The group was launched in 2011 by Dr Graham Cates, Nurse Anita Cates and prominent Bahamian artist John Cox, with a theme focused on the different components of wellness including physical, social, financial, spiritual and emotional.

Since its launch The Salus Project has applied these components of wellness to the issues of HIV and AIDS, domestic violence, heart disease, diabetes and protecting the earth.

The Salus Project’s curators are Yutavia George and June Collie, who create work within organisation and manage the work of other participating artists such as Preston Hanna, Edrin Symonette, Demie Ubani and Allan Wallace.

People can participate in the Salus Project by attending exhibitions, participating in the conversation, networking and purchasing artists’ works. In most of The Salus Project exhibitions a percentage of the proceeds go to an organisation that supports the presented theme.

“In Observance” runs until November 1.

For more information log onto www.familymedicinecenter.org.