The Rise of Cayman’s Digital Art Scene
Thursday, 12 December 2024 • Signal House off Fairbanks Road • 5:30pm Doors Open • 6:00pm Discussion Starts
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion as we explore the intersection of technology and creativity in the Cayman Islands. Featuring celebrated local digital artists and the Collections Curator from the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI), the event offers a unique opportunity to discover how innovation and new technology are shaping the future of art making and collecting in our region. Tap into fresh ideas, fuel your creativity, and engage with an innovative community of creators.
Artwork above by @Bananaartkid
Please note that space is limited. Register by filling in the form below ↓
Guest Speakers
- Shane Aquârt, Panellist
Shane Aquârt, who signs his art “Dready”, has a whimsical graphic style influenced by his rich mixture of cultural experiences: a Caribbean childhood, education at an English boarding school, a Canadian high school, and a US college. Shane works in two versions simultaneously within the same unique style, traditional dreadys, which use stick figure characters, and more evolved characters and scenes, each having its purpose. Shane's work can be found on display globally, and in Grand Cayman at multiple locations including the Ritz-Carlton Cayman Art Gallery, Owen Roberts International Airport, Cayman Enterprise City's Signal House facilities, and as part of the Permanent Collection of the National Gallery. Shane has illustrated several publications, and his work has been extensively used in merchandising, commercial graphics, and interiors.
- William Helfrecht, Panellist
William Helfrecht is a Collections Curator at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). William joined the NGCI in January 2019, where he is responsible for supporting the Chief Curator in the administration, care and academic interpretation of the National Collection, as well as the development and installation of exhibitions. William completed his Master’s Degree in Art History and Curatorial Studies at Columbia University in New York, as well as further studies in Art History at CUNY Graduate Center. William's professional background includes experience in the commercial art world, at Luhring Augustine gallery in New York, and in the non-profit sector with No Longer Empty— an organisation specialising in site-responsive and community-centred exhibitions in unique spaces throughout New York City. In his role at the NGCI, William helps to showcase Caymanian art to the National Gallery's diverse audiences.
- Michael Mothen, Panellist
Michael Mothen, also known as “BananaArtKid”, is a Caymanian digital artist celebrated for his vibrant, culturally rich artworks that pay tribute to Cayman’s heritage. Michael's recent installation at the Rotary Central bus shelter on Fairbanks Road—as part of the Cayman Enterprise City's (CEC) Digital Artist in Residency initiative—showcases his talent for weaving historical and cultural narratives into digital art. With vivid illustrations that include a traditional catboat scene, a green sea turtle, and other native symbols like a Caymanian woman signalling the boat’s return, Michael’s work invites viewers to explore Cayman’s rich heritage and landscapes. Dedicated to celebrating his roots through innovative artistry, Michael brings a fresh perspective to Caymanian storytelling, connecting the community to its past while showcasing the island's vibrant culture in a contemporary medium.
- Kaitlyn Elphinstone, Moderator
Kaitlyn Elphinstone is Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Cayman Enterprise City (CEC). Kaitlyn is responsible for driving new opportunities, championing innovation, engaging members of the public, and leading the company’s marketing and brand strategies in her enterprise-wide focused role. Alongside her professional achievements, Kaitlyn is a practicing interdisciplinary artist whose work explores themes of identity, culture, and the natural environment through digital media and assemblage. Kaitlyn studied Visual Art and Art History at the University of Toronto and has a Masters Degree in Arts Policy and Management from the University of London (Birkbeck). In 2023 she won the prestigious Bendel Hydes Award in NGCI's 3rd Cayman Islands Biennial.
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