Fourth Cayman Islands Biennial Explores Ecological and Cultural Shifts Through Art

The fourth iteration of the Cayman Islands Biennial, titled 'Archipelago,' is currently on view across multiple venues in the Cayman Islands. Curated by Davin K. Ebanks and Joseph L. Underwood, the exhibition features 76 works by artists addressing themes of ecological change, cultural memory, and social dynamics in the Caribbean region. The biennial is structured around three conceptual lenses: Culture Shift, Social Dynamics, and Ecological Legacies. Artists like Jason Kennedy depict native mangrove ecosystems threatened by coastal development, while Iain MacRae's paintings illustrate the interplay between introduced and endemic species alongside corporate logos. Installations extend beyond traditional gallery spaces, such as Stefan Langlois and Elizabeth Paige Smith's work in the ruins of Gram Bella's, which references historical shipwrecks and human impact on the landscape. Other notable contributors include Nasaria Suckoo Chollette, who uses textiles to explore personal heritage, and Kay Smith, whose collage critiques environmental degradation. The exhibition reflects a shift from earlier idyllic depictions of island life toward more politically engaged art, influenced by groups like the Native Sons collective and institutional support from the National Gallery under director Natalie Urquhart. The biennial runs through 2025, with works displayed at six locations across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.