As we wandered into BLISS the enormity of an exhibit featuring over a 100 works of art by women from throughout Belize was realized. On this last day of that monumental exhibit, we understand more deeply the importance of showcasing women's art intentionally throughout the year. Lovingly curated by Art Shack Belize and Institute of Creative Art (NICH), the exhibit was hosted at the Bliss building on the Belize City waterfront. When we arrived at the Belisle Gallery, Modern Dance Movement was hosting a dance pedagogy event with kids excitedly moving around the space in a moment that was absolutely blissful! Intergenerational appreciation for the arts is a priority for Belize Sol in promoting art in general, so seeing children enjoying visual art and sharing in this space filled with gorgeous women's art felt divine - and as ancestors intended.
The breadth of the artistic styles and subject matter gave a real sense of depth and the passion of these women artists who are, no doubt, juggling many aspects of their lives including family and work. We felt the necessity to emphasize the importance of intentionally showcasing women's art year round to extend the nurturing energy that comes with their visions. Through their interpretations we can see where we've been, where we intend to go and how deeply we dream. At the various art events around Belize we often see men's art featured prominently, so this exhibit was a much welcomed changed to access the feminine perspective in the arts community.
In the rotunda shaped gallery you have an intimate stroll the visuals of an elephant family portrait where the Mama, baby and papa pachyderms have giant butterfly ears flapping as they roam the savannah - a truly unique rendering of these already glorious creatures by Crissy Alives titled "Elephant family. Beneath the exhibit panels you could the see the water of the bay shimmering as if to buoy these works of art, replete with pelicans flying beneath them as well.
Another work included, "Empress" by Judia Young, is a celestial painting of Woman (Empress) centered as a silhouette balancing both heart and brain - as if on the scales of justice while a romanesque bust of a man is displayed with relatively smaller with puzzle pieces featuring social media companies, bag of $, and the bible. The landscape is peppered with black matter cubes underscoring the scene almost like landmines in full view. This is the title art for the accompanying literary magazine. What we noticed between the installed art and the publication is that this work can be installed in two totally different ways as a diptych which changes whether the man or woman is centered in the artwork- noticeably skewing the interpretation.
Among the quilt-like installation stitching together portraits, gatherings and the natural world paintings swirled moods of the blues of Ester Cruz's "Feeling Blue"; the beautiful jubilance of Nelita Doherty Sambula's "Ugandani"; the undeniable whimsy of Victoria Vasquez's "Dreaming of Sunset" and the unapologetically bold humor of Bruheda Haylock's "Cunt." Really there was something for everyone in this exhibit - from the sensual to the outrageous!
This juried exhibition stemmed from a deeply thoughtful collaboration between the businesses and women artists throughout Belize. We look forward in anticipation to where we see these artists shown next and to returning for what's encouraged to become an annual exhibition celebrating and elevating the awesome artistic talents of Belizean women into the future!
--dedicated to my beautiful sisters!!! Happy Birthday, Nich!
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