Untitled (Soldier Crab)
This preparatory study by the artist depicts the ubiquitous Caribbean hermit crab or the ‘soldier crab’, a species of land hermit crab native to the western Atlantic, Bahamas, Belize, southern Florida, Venezuela, the Virgin Islands, and the West Indies. Most often recognised by the patterned whelk shells they occupy for protection, these crabs reproduce in abundance across the Cayman Islands, and their shells as well as their meat have historically been used for cooking, medicinal and decorative purposes. As the crab grows, it adopts larger shells and abandons the old ones.
About the Artist
Yonier Powery
Yonier Powery Serrano was born on the Isle of Youth, Cuba. Commencing his artistic studies in 1999, he joined the workshop of renowned artist Agustin Villafaña before moving to Wilfredo Lam’s Professional Academy of Visual Arts in the Isle of Youth. There he learned to master a wide range of techniques, from drawing and painting to ceramics and sculpture. A strong theme in the artist’s contemporary style is bridging fantasy and reality, often taking influence from the sea. Moving to Grand Cayman in 2010, Powery has since featured in numerous exhibitions, including solo shows at AwardArt gallery in 2018 and 2020, as well as in the NGCI exhibitions Cross Currents – 1st Cayman Islands Biennial (2019), and Reimagined Futures – 2nd Cayman Islands Biennial (2021).
