Emerging from The Shadows...
A Celebration of Hope
In his first one-man exhibition in five years, Antonius Roberts boldly takes the lead as he stages a social commentary on the stigma and discrimination experienced by persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas.
"Emerging from the Shadows...A Celebration of Hope", which opens Monday, July 2 at the Central Bank of the Bahamas, is expected to be much more than an exhibition of his recent paintings - but an artist's attempt to begin a dialogue with the community on a subject matter that remains taboo in the Bahamas - despite the fact that HIV/AIDS affects so many.
"As people of colour, we always hear about what Angelina Jolie is doing for people of colour, or what Bono is doing, or what Princess Diana did. But very rarely do we hear of what people of colour are doing for themselves," Mr Roberts told Tribune Arts.
"We in the Caribbean look for others to do something for us, but I think that it is time for us to do something for ourselves. If we all unite to raise awareness, it is amazing what we can accomplish. So for me as an artist, this exhibition is multi-dimensional."
Giving expression to carriers of the HIV/AIDS virus without exposing them to possible ridicule, Mr Roberts has developed this new series using photographic silhouettes of actual persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Bahamas, and placing them against his abstract work. And to further cement the reality of this show in the our minds, each model has added his or her signature to the piece in red acrylic paint.
There are no names. Rather, symbols painted in red - a simple tick, a number, a heart, an HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon, a peace sign, a circle, a star - are the signatures of real people - children, a couple, teenagers, young adults - Bahamians who have divulged their status. These are the voices of persons who are crying out for acceptance and inclusion.
And along with their unique signatures, these models also share their stories in short paragraphs that will appear in the exhibition's catalogue.
Meet an eighteen-year old young woman who was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS many years ago. Upon hearing the news she didn't know what else to do but cry. But she has hope in spite of it all.
"...I am happier than I've ever felt. The barriers of discrimination and stigma can be dissolved with an understanding and caring heart, mind and soul. Focus on love, and don't worry about what people say because they will talk anyway. Be yourself and no one else," her statement reads.
Get acquainted with a 23-year-old man who was diagnosed almost one year ago. "For me, I think that persons living with HIV/AIDS should voice their status to break the barrier of discrimination so that the stigma can be abolished. Understand, maturity is of the heart and mind, so live life and love yourself," he shared.
In two of the most touching paintings, two brothers, a ten year old and his older brother, are shaking hands. The younger boy is looking up to his brother, and the older brother is looking down at him. In the next painting they stand side by side, the older brother resting his hand on his brother's shoulder. Both poses depict loyalty and a brotherly love that goes beyond the cliche.
"Warm smiles, proud looks, and brotherly love filled the atmosphere when they both posed together...," Mr Roberts recalled of that day.
"Both young men will be alright, as it is obvious they look out for one another. After all, they have much in common: hope and the desire to follow their dreams."
The encounter with these brothers has forever affected the artist. "The virus of brotherly love has infected me. Coming in close contact with Peter and Paul has certainly inspired me to celebrate their "emerging from the shadows" of HIV/AIDS as they bravely exposed themselves to the universe."
In truth, this exhibition is a community effort with Camille Barnett, president of the AIDS Foundation of the Bahamas; Christian McCabe, teaching pastor at New Providence Community Church; and Wellington Solomon Adderley, activist and president of the Bahamas Network for Positive Living, all supporting the project. Each has written statements to accompany the show. The names of sponsors and collaborators are many, including J S Johnson & Co Limited, Insurance Company of the Bahamas, Burns House Limited, and Roland Rose who photographed the models.
Rosie Gordon-Wallace, director of the Diaspora Vibe Gallery in Miami, Florida has also written a statement for this show.
Profits from the paintings sold in the show, as well as sales from the limited prints that Mr Roberts will produce, will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of the Bahamas.
In her statement, Ms Barnett described the exhibition as an important body of work that will hopefully raise public awareness, dispel discrimination and shatter the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
"The time has come to emerge from the shadows of stigma and discrimination in the Bahamas," she said.
Though it has been a while since his last significant one-man show, "Full Range", Mr Roberts does not believe that an artist should hold a show if he has nothing substantial to say.
"Every artist, whenever he or she considers an exhibition, it should be well thought out and it should make a significant contribution to the art community. Art should come from the spirit and soul and out of a time of reflection. The artist should be concerned about anything that comes to quickly," Mr Roberts said, expressing concern and amazement that some artists can have so many exhibitions in succession.
In creating this exhibition, Mr Roberts said that he felt a responsibility as an artist to tell the stories of the people living with HIV/AIDS. "Art is supposed to make a difference. You are supposed to tell the stories of others and raise awareness," he told Tribune Arts.
Article by Petura Burrows
The Tribune
The Arts Section
June 20, 2007
