Untitled (conch shell still life)
McTaggart was one of a cohort of artists active in Cayman in the 1980s whose work focused on capturing the island’s picturesque landscapes and seascapes. This period also saw an influx of expatriate artists and the emergence of the Visual Arts Society, both of which had a profound influence on the local arts scene. In this instance McTaggart explores the genre of still life to great effect — utilising the medium of watercolour to capture an artful arrangement of evocative objects, including a rare King Helmet Conch, prized locally for its beautifully shaped shell.
About the Artist
Dawn McTaggart
Dawn McTaggart was an active member of the Visual Arts Society (VAS) in Cayman for many years, with the artist focusing predominantly on idyllic depictions of traditional Caymanian scenes, native flora and fauna. Whilst landscape was the preferred genre for Realist painters such as Joanne Sibley, Janet Walker and fellow VAS members, and continues to be a popular subject for local artists to this day, McTaggart’s oeuvre also included still life and detailed depictions of native wildlife.
