Art House 473 in Calliste, St George opened its doors on Wednesday, 2 November to a record-breaking crowd of art enthusiasts.
The 6th Grenada Contemporary Exhibit brought 20 Grenadian artists together following the theme, “Calling the Magician” a text written by Aimé Césaire in 1944 calling for attention to poetics and the human condition in our Caribbean civilisation. Aimé Césaire, from Martinique, was a poet, author, and politician whose work not only intersected with theories of Caribbean identity but also helped to shape and explore the surrealist art movement of the time.
The offerings are from the young to the old, and certainly portray individual interpretations in poetry, photography, painting, constructions, and video.
Director of Art House 473 Susan Mains welcomed the invitees, expressing her happiness that after almost 3 years of the doors being closed because of the pandemic, art and people filled the building again. Asher Mains, co-director talked about the theme and how the artists responded.
Asher Mains, commenting on the exhibit, “It is good to see the interaction of our artists with our Caribbean literature, particularly around this idea of magic, or put plainly; the ability we have to affect the world around us through these visual elements. We see a reciprocity with the artwork and the work of Césaire, Glissant, Walcott, and more who focus on the artists’, authors’, and poets’ important role in drawing attention back to humanity, nature, and the intangible qualities of what it means to live and live well in society.”
Basil Gahagan showed black and white photography that captured portraits of women. He intuitively captured their faces that showed the magic of a fleeting moment. The young Jemilla Francis painted a poem that she had written, idealising the imagination of a child and a poet. Salomie Lawrence in her highly textured painting gave homage to the ancestors in cool tones of blue. International artists Oliver Benoit and Asher Mains introduced new work that had been previously exhibited in the Grenada Pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia. Most intriguing to the audience was the short video prepared by Suelin Low Chew Tung, grieving the demise of the historic government house. Many other interesting works call for a few minutes of reflection from the viewer.
The evening was further enhanced by the drumming of Godfrey Luke and his group. Spontaneous dancing ensued. Judy Antoine shared one of her poems. Rhythm and remembrance created an unforgettable vibe. It felt as if Césaire manifested the evening himself; provoking acts of creation, movement, community, and special attention to the idea that beauty and poetics should be our guiding principles in society.
Susan Mains Gallery and its showroom at Art House 473, have for 20 years embraced the call to the creative economy, providing access to others to also be a part of the movement. Asher Mains, co-director, brings his deep international experience to the mix, encouraging the highest standards from all.
More information on the artists who participated can be found on the website www.arthouse473.com. The exhibition continues through 22 November, from 12 noon to 5 pm. It is free and open to all.
Art House 473
