Exhibition
Caymanian vernacular architecture represents one of the most visible expressions of our Islands’ material heritage, providing us with a tangible connection to our past. Inspired by the artistry of domestic building traditions and the evolution of the quintessential homestead, Thatch Roofs and Ironwood Posts considers this architectural legacy through artworks drawn primarily from the National Collection.
Grounding this survey in detailed architectural studies that document traditional construction techniques and decorative motifs, the exhibition expands in scope to encompass a wide assortment of representational watercolours from the 1980s and early 1990s. This was a period when the historic cottage became synonymous with the prevailing realist aesthetic, embodying a symbolic bastion of tradition at a time of rapid social and cultural change.
Developing from the iconic imagery of pioneering figures such as Charles Long and Bendel Hydes, the rise of the Native Sons artist collective in the 1990s signalled a departure from literal depictions of architectural subject matter, shifting focus towards the perceived erosion of cultural heritage. In recent years, over-development and rapid population growth continue to transform our social and physical landscape. As we celebrate the story of Caymanian architecture, this exhibition provides a timely reminder of the pressing need to protect these historic structures—preserving in the process the fabric of our material history for future generations.
NGCI Curatorial Team