Art Under Lockdown


A Cayman Islands Online Community Exhibition


15 Jun – 15 Oct 2020

About the Exhibition

Art Under Lockdown is an online exhibition intended to shine a light on the creativity of artists and members of the public who have turned to making art as a means of expression during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Using the digital sphere as a way to share art at a time of strict social distancing, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) seeks to provide a platform for this outpouring of artistic creativity, and to further inspire the community as we continue to collectively grapple with the short and long-term effects of the pandemic.

There were 86 submissions to NGCI’s Open Call, ranging from student work by children as young as 12, entries by part-time artists and hobbyists taking advantage of the additional time and fewer distractions that lockdown has afforded to many, as well as submissions by professional artists, many of whom feature prominently in NGCI’s permanent collection. In the spirit of inclusivity, all submitted entries were accepted, resulting in an eclecticism of theme and subject matter.

 

Curators’ Statement

As the public has come together to support one another, to give generously to those in need and to make collective sacrifices to overcome this pandemic, we have witnessed the remarkable creativity and resilience of our community. From family living rooms to children’s bedrooms, garages to back yards, Cayman’s artists – both established and emerging – have found innovative ways to adapt their workspaces to these new conditions, channelling their feelings through the medium of art.

Art Under Lockdown showcases the fruits of these artistic labours, using digital technology to connect art and people in the most trying circumstances. It reflects the range of ways our community has responded to the pandemic, from moments of quiet introspection and feelings of isolation and fear, to a yearning for nature and the outdoors, through to expressions of gratitude, solidarity, and social justice.

Captured through the eyes of artists, this online exhibition offers a portrait of an extraordinary moment in our history; a chance to celebrate the life-affirming power of art and creativity in the darkest of moments.

Cayman Compass

“National Gallery is calling all artists for submissions”
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Loop News Cayman

“National Gallery Launches New Online Exhibition – Art Under Lockdown”
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Cayman Compass

“National Gallery launches ‘Art Under Lockdown’ exhibit: Creativity thrived under extraordinary circumstances.”
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