The Bahamian Arts Scene Shines at Current Gallery & Art Center

The Bahamas is known for its extraordinary beaches; however, with the opening of Current Gallery & Art Center, the country’s thriving visual arts culture is poised for its own moment in the sun.

In 2004, I decided to become an artist at the young age of nine. That year, my mother took my siblings and me to a biennial exhibition at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Overwhelmed by the beautiful works displayed and inspired by my mother’s pride in her colleague, architect Dereck Paul, I felt a desire to explore artistry. His mixed-media portrait, Mangra Skin, sparked questions in me about color application and composition.

Shortly after, I declared to my mother, “I could do that too!” Surrounded by other artists, I had the confidence to pursue this career path, and she wholeheartedly encouraged me.

Like many aspiring artists, I studied fine art at the College of the Bahamas. Remarkably, 15 years after that museum visit, I found myself collaborating with John Cox, the chief curator of NAGB, at one of the country’s prestigious institutions: Current Gallery & Art Center, where he now serves as the creative arts director.

Located at Baha Mar, a luxurious 1,000-acre resort complex overlooking the picturesque Goodman Bay, the Current is more than just a commercial gallery. It acts as an incubator for educational and professional development, enhancing the Bahamian arts scene since its opening in the summer of 2017.

Bahamian art has historically been underrepresented on the global stage, often perceived through the limited view of ‘sun, sand, and sea.’ Yet, Baha Mar boasts the country’s largest collection of Bahamian works, showcasing 2,500 pieces from artists across the archipelago. Visitors experience local art and culture throughout the resort, from Heino Schmid’s striking mixed-media pieces in the Convention Center to Dede Brown’s aluminum bird sculpture at SLS.

According to Cox, “My goal is to show a much more complex picture of who we are,” emphasizing a relatable, dynamic, and progressive portrayal of Bahamian culture.

Experience at Current Gallery & Art Center

The Current participates in international fairs and organizes a variety of events, from poetry readings and plays to on-site concerts and classes for kids. Cox feels a profound responsibility toward the artists he collaborates with, aiming to grant the Bahamian arts community access to valuable opportunities for growth and visibility.

Unlike traditional galleries where exhibitions can last for months or years, the Current opts for shorter pop-up shows, introducing fresh pieces every visit. This model allows for a diverse array of artists to be featured, enriching the experience for Baha Mar guests.

Throughout the last decade, efforts have surged to highlight a more nuanced portrayal of Bahamian identity. For instance, in 2014, the nonprofit Creative Nassau achieved UNESCO Creative City status for Nassau, motivating island-wide discussions about the arts’ economic significance.

The Current plays a crucial role in this movement through three-month artists’ residencies, aimed at facilitating artistic exploration. Artists, such as June Collie, who participated in the residency, have expressed that interacting with diverse perspectives was invigorating, enabling them to boldly present new ideas.

Bahamian creative energies are also showcased through events featuring dynamic collaborations, such as singer-songwriter Navarro Newton performing with Warp Trio at the gallery. Such connections are fundamental to Cox’s vision for the future of the Current, seeking to create links with educational institutions and other cultural entities.

The initiatives to reinvigorate the Bahamian arts scene underscore that culture need not be fabricated; it should simply be showcased. Access and communal support are essential for the industry in this developing island nation, allowing for meaningful artistic expressions to thrive.

As Baha Mar gradually reopens, starting with the Current Gallery on December 17, it promises to welcome visitors to engaging workshops, lectures, and art classes, further enhancing the vibrant Bahamian artistic landscape.

With each visit to the Current, one cannot help but wonder if there are young dreamers discovering their own paths in art, just as I did at nine. The opportunities for cultural expression in the Bahamas continue to grow, and the Current Gallery & Art Center stands as a testament to this flourishing creativity.

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2021 issue of iBestTravel under the headline Beyond the Sea.