Caymanian artist presents first solo international show

By Lindsey Turnbull

Having completed his Master of Arts in Painting at the Royal College of Art in London, where he was awarded the Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship, Caymanian artist John Reno Jackson has enjoyed his first solo international exhibition in Nassau, Bahamas. The show, entitled ‘Disappearing Sun’ is a poignant reflection on Cayman’s rapid evolution in recent times.

Reno gave some background as to how this latest show came into being.

“During my masters, I became more focused on structure,” he explained. “This questions how I can use material systems/histories, and how my work sits within broader conversations around abstraction, identity, and place. Studying in London exposed me to a global art context, but it also clarified my commitment to working from a Caymanian perspective and how important it is for us (Caymanian/Caribbean artists) to make work.”

Having participated in shows across the region and internationally, Reno said most recently he had participated in group exhibitions at Greatorex St in London, at TERN Gallery in Nassau, and in international fairs such as EXPO Chicago and UNTITLED in Miami. His work has also been included in the Archipelago (Cayman Islands 4th Biennale), CARIFESTA XV in Barbados and other regional exhibitions.

The solo exhibition in Nassau came about through his ongoing relationship with TERN Gallery.

“After several group presentations together, this became my first major solo exhibition overseas. TERN has a strong focus on supporting Caribbean artists while positioning them internationally. This is in part, due to the gallery’s proximity to Cayman, making it possible to maintain a local base while working regionally,” he said.

The Disappearing Sun exhibition developed out of conversations with the team about the direction of his practice after completing his MA.

“It felt like the right moment to present a cohesive new body of work,” he stated.

Reno said he was inspired by time, migration, and the environment of the North Sound in Cayman.

“I spent a lot of time kayaking there, observing mangroves, shifting light --- this made me think about the human impact on our landscape. The title refers to cyclical time sunrise to sunset and the idea that disappearance is also a form of renewal. The installation follows this arc, with each wall corresponding to a time of day. The works reflect on how culture and environment evolve under pressure, particularly in a rapidly developing Caribbean society,” he explained.

The natural world is central to Reno’s practice. It is not just a subject but a structural influence, he said, adding:

“The materials I use are often directly connected to Cayman, including sand based mixtures and references to the Silver Thatch palm. The colours of the paintings are drawn from specific observations of sea, soil, and vegetation. At the same time, I am interested in how the environment predates us yet continues to be shaped by development. That tension between endurance and intervention informs much of the work.”

Reno advised that he translates environmental observation into abstraction rather than illustration.

“I begin by applying a hand-made sandstone layer to the canvas and dragging Silver Thatch palm through it, referencing the historic practice of sweeping sand yards. On top of this textured ground, I paint geometric grids inspired by traditional weaving structures. The result is minimal and structured, but not rigid. I allow slippage, variation, and material resistance. My goal is not to depict the landscape but to embed its memory and logic into the surface of the painting,” he said.

In 2026 he said his focus is local.

“I’ve returned home and am setting up my studio in Cayman for the first time in three years. Alongside my own studio work, I’m also excited to curate and organise projects that highlight local artists. Strengthening the arts ecosystem in Cayman is important to me; If we want a sustainable cultural future, we have to actively build it!”

Reno said he was grateful to TERN Gallery for their continued support and belief in his practice, and also thankful to the Cayman National Cultural Foundation for facilitating his studio work locally over the past six months.

“Having institutions that invest in artists at home makes a real difference,” he confirmed.