Local Talent on Display at the Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition

Barbadian artists are being given the opportunity to showcase their talent during the 2017 Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition. The event, now in its 23rd year, is sponsored by the Central Bank of Barbados and the National Cultural Foundation.

The opening ceremony, which was held in the Grande Salle of the Tom Adams Financial Centre, saw three entrants being recognised for their work. The Governor’s Award was presented to Cecil Webb for his piece, “Rhythm and Wood”, while Disree Mascoll’s “Copper and Brass” received the BIDC award. “Harrison Beauty” by Patrick Louis was adjudged the work that best depicted this year’s theme, “In Search of a Barbadian Aesthetic”.

After receiving his award, Webb explained the origins of his sculpture. “My love for music and culture is really the inspiration behind the piece. I selected the mahogany that stood out to me and let it guide me to the end product.”

During his opening remarks, Acting Central Bank of Barbados Governor Cleviston Haynes praised the artists for their creativity and reflected on the organisation’s longtime involvement in hosting the exhibition. “Throughout the lifespan of this exhibition, our artists have impressed us with their artistic output, and we in the Bank remain committed to sponsoring this exhibition during the island’s premier cultural festival. The Bank has always maintained a profound interest in promoting Barbados’ artistic capabilities, while recognising their economic potential, be it the visual, literary, or performing arts.”

Haynes also revealed that in addition to the main displays, which are being housed in the Grande Salle and at Pelican Village, a group of 12 Central Bank staff have mounted a companion photography exhibition, titled “Visual Healing”, in the Bank’s Exchange museum on Spry Street.

The Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition is open to the public and runs from June 25 to August 5.

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