On January 7th, 2011
local artist Calix Smith debuted a new collection of artwork at the Bermuda
Society of Arts. Although his paintings were on timeless themes, he presented
them in a fresh new way that forced his viewers to face the topics. The exhibit
was an installation of three paintings; one about the limits black people place
on themselves and each other, another was on domestic violence, and the last on
was on the bad side of politics.
The installation not only included
the paintings but images made from tape, which was mapped out on the floor.
These images surrounded the paintings as well as the rest of the floor space in
the gallery. There was also a performance by local spoken word artist Kiandra
Simons, Kyle Simmons, Davika Hill, and Matthew Johnstone. Each poet shared a
piece they wrote in response to Calix’s feature paintings.
All and all it was a very unique
and inspiring display. If you missed the first performance don’t worry. The
poems are posted on the gallery walls around the paintings and there’s also a
projector where you can view the poets performing their pieces.
