21st Century Cayman

Prompted by frequent laments over the loss of traditional Caymanian heritage in the wake of rapid development and globalization, 21st Century Cayman sought to address the fact that fewer and fewer artists and craftspersons have continued to carry on traditional art forms, while younger generations have increasingly questioned the need for retaining traditional pastimes. As part of the project, NGCI invited select contemporary artists to collaborate with traditional craftspersons in an attempt to reinvent traditional arts for a 21st century audience.

Artworks included Catboat sails and hulls designed with vibrant colours, hand painted gigs and warrie boards, alongside thatch baskets that utilised bold recycled materials. Ultimately, these collaborations were intended to inspire the continuation of our traditional heritage in a way that was accessible and relevant to our younger generations, while celebrating the utilitarian crafts of yesteryear. Selected artists included Wray Banker, Nasaria Suckoo Chollette, Al Ebanks, Chris Mann, Deal Ebanks, Horacio Esteban, Gordon Solomon and members of the Cayman Islands Traditional Arts Council (CITAC). Curated by NGCI Director Natalie Urquhart, 21st Century Cayman was sponsored by Butterfield Bank and supported by the Cayman Islands Traditional Arts Council (CITAC).