There was a palpable anticipation as we approached the Bliss Center for the arts for the "Look At Me: I am Belize@45" exhibition on view through October 12. Organized by the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA); National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), Museum of Belize and the Image Factory Foundation's Gilvano Swayse to showcase some the of the most talented artists in Belize for the 45th celebration of Independence for the country, there were over 30 artists' work on view.
As we head to the upper floor we're greeted by Gayla Lopez and Jaime Ramos' gorgeous portrait and the Blue Hole that cleverly forms an actual eye in the sea. From more seasoned artists like Papo, Pen Cayetano, Raquel Lincoln Gordon and Manuel Tomas Gonzalez Daza, to the emerging talents of Anne Marie Alamilla and Darlin Polanco, we enjoyed a vast array of styles and palettes. A young girl framed by a filigree-like swirl of tree branches curled up against the tree shows an emerging generation lovingly surrounded by and enjoying all the nature Belize offers. Sogelyn Samara Cabrera created an eye-catching work of digital art that perfectly captures the wonderful diversity of Belize and graces the cover of the catalog that they gave away.
Each piece of art the artist embraces their identity as Belizeans whether through nature, portraits or a combination it was a sumptuous collection of world class art. You could notice some of the intergenerational play between the Cayetano and Alamilla family of artists or find joy in an emerging artist like King Khan who shows the tourist side of Belize in smaller paintings. Veteran on the art scene, Alex Sanker brings satire through his painting in every exhibit which challenges the status quo beautifully and with gusto. Osmin Flores makes you fall in love with his detailed portrait of an abuela that had us looking closely at every spot on the bananas and crevices in that beautiful face.
One of the unique visuals used a map as the canvas to tell Belize's story of natural beauty throughout the geography of the country in a vibrant cartoon style by Amy Wu. The same artist did a 4 part portrait in one frame of the treasured wild life of Belize titled Wild Celebration." There was sculpture and artist Briheda Haylock played with 2-dimentional sculpture and the female form adding collage elements and floral applique that jumped out of the frame with impact. Brothers Grayson and Omar Sierra never disappoint with their skillful rendering of both the nature and the people submitted multiple paintings for this show. Teacher and artist Gia Martinez shows the swaying motion of Belizean women in proudly wearing the colors of the flag in flowing traditional attire while going about their day-to-day chores. Erwin Chan brings a vivid day glow colors to tropical scenes inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
Kelvin Baizar always fills up the canvas with the finest details on every painting down to the spots on a moth's wings that are awe-inspiring every time. The sculptures by Carl Gordon carved of ziricote wood from Xunuch "The Agony of Slavery" and "Black Struggle" were some of the most confrontational and impactful works of art that have the ability to pierce the conscience, almost justifiably probing for answers to such undeniable barbaric injustice. They are the first and last pieces you see when exiting the exhibit that perfectly balances a show that is filled with plenty of lovely whimsical visuals that collectively make you fall in love with Belizean art.
The exhibit is open through the long weekend closing October 12.
Comments