The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

ANGELIKA’s love for painting has opened doors to everything she is doing in her career today. Even though she was involved in the art world for the past two years, Angelika Wallace-Whitfield’s high point came this year when she accepted a curator position at the D’Aguilar Art Foundation (DAF) and a curatorial assistant position at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB).

“The arts sort of chose me. I was in Sue Bennett-Williams’ art classes since I was four. I was always creating art. In school I was deep into my academics, but never let go of art. After graduating I got accepted to medical school, but turned it down as I could not picture myself in the field. After a few months of thinking and self searching without others’ opinions, I found myself constantly creating and researching art. This is the field that interests me; it never feels like work,” said Angelika.

Even with her recent achievements, Angelika knows she is still at the beginning stage in her art career, and intends to continue to work her way up. She said her daily schedule is now hectic, but she loves it nonetheless.

“I have never had anything handed to me, so it is definitely all about working to get where you want to be. I am constantly being inspired by my work environment and the people I meet at work. I love meeting new people at events or giving tours. I love the versatility of one day using power tools and doing dirty work, then the next day being in the office. I’m never bored,” said Angelika.

In pushing herself to reach high standards, Angelika said her mother, Justina Wallace-Whitfield, is the biggest influence in her life. Her mother constantly feeds her creative hunger.

“I look up to her for everything; she raised me as a single mother and I never felt a need for anything more than her or what she provided. Her advice has never led me astray yet, as she is a mother and a friend. When I was ready to make the ultimate decision between medical school and art, she said, ‘you need to do what you want to do and whatever makes you happy’,” said Angelika.

“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,” she said.

Both positions are satisfying in their own way for Angelika. “At the DAF I have a lot of say in what goes on, which goes hand in hand with the responsibility, and at the NABG I work alongside a group of awesome, inspiring team members.”

“I have always been infatuated with Nassau’s galleries. I started volunteering while still attending the College of the Bahamas (COB). When opportunities opened, I took advantage of them right away,” 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 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.

With each day and each hurdle, Angelika said she takes a leap into learning more about herself. She said she thrives on mastering new surroundings, new interactions and learning new knowledge. She encouraged other young artists to stay motivated and keep producing good work.

“Don’t stop growing, learning, developing. The learning process is never complete,” said Angelika.