A Story in Symbols – New National Gallery Exhibition Explores Iconic National Symbols in Art

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) has announced A Story in Symbols, an uplifting new exhibition which runs from 24 July to 03 September in Gallery’s Dart Auditorium/Community Gallery. This exhibition will explore the varying ways in which local artists have captured the rich tapestry of Caymanian cultural iconography, symbols, and emblems in their work, while examining the role they play in shaping cultural identity.

The theme invites viewers on a journey through varying stylistic interpretations of Cayman’s official national symbols including our Cayman Parrot, Silver Thatch Palm, and the Banana Orchid, as well as beloved icons such as the Green Sea Turtle and the Cayman Catboat, in addition to artistic depictions of our Coat of Arms and National Flag. The exhibition includes both realistic illustrations of the subjects, as well as more creative interpretations that reflect on the way in which the subject matter has inspired the creative community. Through a thoughtfully curated collection of paintings and sculpture, the exhibition aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the motifs that are central to the Caymanian narrative.

A Story in Symbols has been curated by the National Gallery’s Curatorial Intern Arabella (Coco) Stocker, as her graduating project after training with the Gallery’s curatorial department over the past year. Speaking of the experience she said, “It’s been an honour to have the opportunity to develop the exhibition from its preliminary conceptual phase through to completion, allowing me to demonstrate the key skills and practices which I have learnt throughout my year-long internship. Working under the guidance of the wider Gallery team has provided me with an invaluable experience and insight into museum work and curatorial practice.”

Also graduating from the NGCI’s Annual Intern Programme 2024-2025 is Gianna Whittaker, who has been working with the Gallery’s Education Department. Gianna has developed the supporting exhibition programme which will include teen workshops, specialized tours, and family fun sessions. Also included are two new episodes of the National Gallery’s Culture & Heritage Series exploring Turtling Industry and Silver Thatch respectively. These short films will run on a loop inside the exhibition.  Says Gianna, “The past year has provided me with extensive experience working across the wide scope of education and outreach programming at the Gallery, both onsite and through our district classes like Art on the Road. The experience has cemented my interest in becoming an educator and I am grateful to my colleagues in Education and the wider Gallery team for their support.”

Established in 2003, the NGCI Annual Internship Programme is a year-long salaried internship that provides an opportunity to learn about all aspects of museum and gallery management, arts education, and collections care.  Internships are full-time, and 10-to-12 months in duration.  To date, twenty-five young Caymanians have benefited from this unparalleled experience in Cayman’s cultural sector. Shorter term placements are also available for students through the NGCI Summer Internship Programme, and work experience scheme. Past graduates of this programme are now working across multiple cultural venues in Cayman and overseas, including the Gallery, CNCF, the Cayman Islands National Museum, and the wider arts sector.

In congratulating both graduates National Gallery Director, Natalie Urquhart said, “Our team is incredibly proud of Coco and Gianna for the work that they have put into this inspiring exhibition and exhibition programme, and for successfully completing their internships. We have all been impressed by their contributions the museum field across the past year and by their ongoing commitment to preserving and developing Cayman’s cultural heritage. We are excited to follow their ongoing journey.”

A Story in Symbols opened on 24 July and is on view until 03 September. Admission to the Gallery and the exhibitions is free to all. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm. For more information about the associated programme of events please email Gianna Whittaker, Education Intern, at intern@nationalgallery.org.ky  or visit https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/whats-on/  to learn more.