The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN ARTIST Angelika Wallace-Whitfield is employing an alternative method to the symbolic pink ribbon to raise awareness about breast cancer.

In an upcoming art exhibition “Perseverance”, Angelika, who is the curator at the D’Aguilar Art Foundation (DAF) and a curatorial assistant at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB), will present an installation of acrylic-dipped pink bras that highlight the importance of the community in the face of this worldwide fight.

“The D’Aguilar Art Foundation is a small gallery with a large art collection; there, I work alongside the director Saskia D’Aguilar. As the curator I take on a large portion of the responsibility of planning events, choosing themes, work that will hang within shows, hanging shows, and giving tours. At the NAGB I work with a team, assisting the curator and educational officer,” said Angelika.

In her new exhibit, Angelika said she along with her team sought to recognise that it takes perseverance, love, and support to beat breast cancer. They chose pieces that celebrate survival and strength through unity.

“As a sequel to our orange, acrylic-dipped underwear for the ‘Disrobed’ exhibition, we reached out to the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation and Pamela Burnside to find bras from pre and post diagnosis survivors and supporters. Through these parties we were able to receive 42 bras and include survivors and supporters in our effort to raise awareness,” said Angelika.

Earlier this year, the D’Aguilar Art Foundation presented “Disrobed”, exploring the beauty of the unclothed human form with a diverse collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures.

Angelika said as breast cancer awareness increases in the Bahamas, and more options become available for early detection, the members of The D’Aguilar Art Foundation wanted to use art as a vessel to assist the effort and also celebrate survivors.

“For October, breast cancer awareness month, we have put this show together that incorporates not only the colour pink, but also the underlying themes of strength, unity, perseverance and love. It is these four characteristics that birth survivors,” said Angelika.

The official opening for “Perseverance” will take place this Wednesday, between the hours of 6 and 9 pm, the show will be open until November 12. Angelika is encouraging those attending the show to wear pink.

“I’m really looking forward to the breast cancer community, support groups and students coming to the show. We not only want to raise awareness through the display, but celebrate survivors while acknowledging that the fight was not easy,” said Angelika.

There are many challenges Angelika has to face as an artist; she says art itself is problem solving, so immersing herself in the work aways helps to overcome.

“Mrs Sue Bennett-Williams taught me, if you make a mistake, make it a part of your design. I approach my work how I approach my pieces for the most part, if a problem occurs, I work around it or work it into the space. I try not to let challenges stop me, most of the time I welcome the challenge. It keeps things interesting,” said Angelika.