The renowned annual Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA), now in its 13th year, returns live and in person to Barbados this March, with a spotlight on the works of over 45 Caribbean and Diaspora contemporary artists as well as fashion, film, spoken word and musical events, scheduled daily.
Art fans from across the world will be able to join CaFA Fair 2023 at Bagnall’s Point Gallery, Pelican Village Craft Center in Bridgetown, Barbados, or without leaving their homes by visiting the website www.caribbean.global, from March 8 to 12.
“This year’s CaFA Fair Barbados presents a balanced selection of emerging and internationally known artists representing 11 Caribbean nations, Ghana, Senegal, the USA and the UK,” said CaFA Fair executive director Anderson M. Pilgrim. “We are excited about our live programming featuring an array of regional experts and practitioners.”
“With the incredible growth and interest in Caribbean fine art, the opportunity to present a broader vision of the cultural creativity from the region grows as well,” added Daniel Hort, the Executive Director of Onomatopoeia Art and a co-producer of the event. “This year’s presentation of Cosmoda Runway as a major element of our Fashion Showcase will provide the chance to work with major pageant and fashion outlets to present the colors, style, and artistry of carnival.”
This year’s fine art show will feature a tribute to the late Dominican master Earl D. Etienne with video, pictures, and exhibits of his prolific creativity. Another special feature is the “Emerged” exhibit of six contemporary Barbadian artists who have been recently gaining notice on the international art scene: Akilah Watts, Alanis Forde, Anna Gibson, Brandon K. Best, Shain “Rudy” Clarke and Shane Eastmond. Curated by CaFA Fair Director Anderson M. Pilgrim, the works will be available simultaneously on the virtual platform www.caribbean.global.
Other Caribbean artists showcasing their works at CaFA 2023 include Ademola Olugebefola, David Berg, LaVaughn Belle, and Lucien Downes of the US Virgin Islands; Carla Armour, Hilroy Fingal, Lowell Omtni Royer, Michael Lees, and Shadrach Burton of Dominica; Diogenes Ballester of Puerto Rico; Gilberto Wilson of Aruba; Loraine Klaiber from Suriname; Moses Ros from the Dominican Republic; Patricia Brintle and Gina Samson of Haiti; Barbara Russell and Bernard S. Hoyes from Jamaica; Arlette St. Hill, Cher Antoinette Corbin, Hedy Klineman, Lisame, Malique Shorey, Ras Ilix Heartman and Steve Reid of Barbados. In addition, Honduran artist Norma Lithgow will showcase her paintings.
Diaspora Dialogue X features US artists Brian Cannady, Danny Simmons, Khuumba Ama, S. Ross Browne, and Sadikisha Sandra Collier. Josh Kidd will represent the UK, while ZENC artists Alberto Opoku of Ghana and Manian from Senegal will join US-based Ghanaian artist TAFA from the continent of Africa. CaFA 2023 will also include presentations and panel discussions around topics of international interest for the Caribbean, Black, and global art communities, including screenings of Short Films by Caribbean and Diaspora filmmakers with a panel discussion by industry professionals to follow immediately after the screenings on Saturday, March 11. A second panel on Saturday, entitled “Arts Collaboration across the Caribbean and its Diaspora”, will be moderated by Atlanta-based Aduke Aremu of Aduke Aremu Productions.
The panels slated for Sunday, March 12, include “Caribbean Art and the International Market” with the spotlight on a new generation of Caribbean artists emerging on the international market. Panelists will consist of internationally renowned St. Croix artist La Vaughn Belle and artists from the Emerged exhibition. “Remembering Earl Darius Etienne” will discuss his artistic influence, legacy, and issues related to estate planning and management for artists, moderated by Dominican artist Carla Armour.
Spoken word and Caribbean fashion will be the highlights of the Fair on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10. On Saturday, March 11, CaFA Fair Barbados will present “Concert for the Artists” to celebrate our return to live exhibits and gathering in person. Musical guests include Mighty Gabby, Michael Cheeseman, Rubytech, Joe Cloudy, and Gabz.
“Special thanks to Export Barbados for the opportunity to exhibit at the Historic Pelican Village Craft Center, with support from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and the National Cultural Foundation,” Pilgrim noted.
CaFA Fair was founded in 2011 and has established itself as the premier art event in the Caribbean. For more details, visit https:/www.cafafair.com/ or https://www.caribbean.global/.
Main image -Anna Gibson – Barbados – Cocoon 2, 2021, 30in x 36in.jpg
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