The Grenada Pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia closed its doors on 27 November after a very exciting and fruitful 7 months of being in the centre of the art world.
Over 100,000 visitors walked through, many signing the guest book from countries all over the world. Our art and culture were on full display.
The Cypher Art Collective of Grenada had been meeting on zoom for well over a year to co-ordinate their efforts of portraying the Shakespeare Mas of Carriacou. Historian John Angus Martin researched the origins of the Mas. An authentic costume from Carriacou was part of the display, and people marveled at the skill of the hand sewing. Others were fascinated by the installation of detritus picked up from the beaches of Grenada put together by Asher Mains. Oliver Benoit’s large abstract paintings portrayed his philosophical intrigue with the whip being used in the current-day educational system. Sam Ogilvie and Ian Friday showed a video collaboration performance of spoken word. Susan Mains’ very large paintings portrayed the Shakespeare Mas Players. Finally, the film produced by Billy Gerard Frank told the story of Cuguano, enslaved from Africa to Grenada, later to England, to become a major abolitionist.
All the artwork was created in Grenada, during the most difficult time of the pandemic. Frank’s movie was filmed entirely in Grenada, including some local actors. Young Jakeme Gelineau, a GBSS student, stole the show, and came with his mother to Venice for the opening.
This was the 5th participation of Grenada in this most prestigious art event in the world. A new attitude is being displayed toward Grenada, no longer looking at this small island as a newcomer. In this edition the only other small island nation from the Caribbean that participated was Cuba.
It seems quite appropriate at this time that the new Dickon Mitchell-led government has created an office for developing the creative industries in Grenada. Recognition of the potential is essential for progress.
Quoting the Commissioner of the Grenada Pavilion Susan Mains, “The global network of individuals and institutions developed through our participation is invaluable. We learn, we explore, and we benefit from our exposure to others.” Italian curator Daniele Radini Tedeschi and his team contributed significantly with writing, set up, producing the catalogue, and most importantly communicating with an Italian and world audience. Dr Tedeschi was interviewed on Italian television many times about his involvement with Grenada.
The Grenada Pavilion was made possible by the contributions of StArt, an Italian publishing company, The Ministry of Culture through the National Lottery Authority, The Grenada Tourism Authority, and many individual contributors who believe in the potential of Grenada creatives.
We look forward to what 2023 brings, to see just how far our horizons can stretch.
Susan Mains, Commissioner of Grenada Pavilion