[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s part of plans to commemorate Emancipation Day, the Cultural Development Foundation has set up an art exhibition at the Baywalk Mall in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. The exhibition, which consists of over forty drawings and hand-crafted ceramic sculptures, showcases the talent of Saint Lucian artist Natasha Fontenelle. The various pieces seek to explore the varying degrees and levels of mental and physical freedom. On July 31, this reporter went to the exhibition. Eye-popping sculptures are a constant throughout the entire gallery.
As two women passed by, they stopped to view the works. One who identified herself as Luselta, shared her thoughts: “I find it’s interesting. It’s different from what we’re accustomed to seeing. I think whoever did it, did a good job of capturing a different side of Emancipation.”
However, she pointed out that there was nothing to indicate exactly what was happening: “If somebody just sits there, they would just look and say, ‘Oh, that’s somebody’s artwork.’ But when they really look through it, then they understand that it’s about Emancipation.”
As far as Emancipation Day is concerned, she said: “A lot more can and should be done to celebrate this important day, I think there are so many areas they can focus on.”
As for the artist, she says she gets inspiration to produce her artwork in different forms. For her drawings, she allows her imagination to take control but with the sculptures she draws inspiration from life experiences, feelings, emotions and even music.
Ms. Fontnelle hopes that everyone who views the exhibition will “get to experience a piece of my story.
I hope people get to see different ways of expression; different ways you can express yourself with the same material. For example you can use clay in many ways.”
The exhibition started on July 27 and will end on August 17.
