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U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas
Excellency Arthur Schecter,
and Antonius Roberts
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One of the oldest images prevailing of The Bahamas is "Bahamas" as Paradise; in fact, it remains an old and persistent one, heightened by many folk-tales. The archipelago's national persona was invented through such images, promotional hype deployed as reality's blueprint, a "Fantasy-Island" like promised land that would take whatever form might attract visitors. The credible images shaping the modern Bahamas are the focus of a new exhibition of sculpture and paintings by Bahamian born artist Antonius Roberts, at the Central Bank Gallery, Fredrick Street, Nassau (May 1st - 19th). Approximately eighty pieces of sculptures and paintings make up this collection which stands as an extraordinary way of understanding The Bahamas' present. That understanding, is somewhat impossible through staid sequences of European discovery and Canonical Island histories.
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Antonius Roberts with sponsor
Franklyn Wilson, Chairman of
Arawak Homes and Sunshine Insurance,
and noted Bahamian artist Brent Malone
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A look at The Bahamas' propaganda through postcards, promotions and photograph, with concentration on images that attract tourists, offers a limited (minimally) shallow journey of the soul. Antonius' exhibit of a combination of his collection makes important links, offers answers or at least makes the Bahamian present seem a lot less accidental. The artist's dazzling pieces (sculpture and painting) during the current solo-show, are impressive; the "Dream Collection" of Painter's-sculptures wildly coloured to intensely somber subjects, combined with witty and poetic sculpture, should reveal a reality check for collectors (serious or first time) and the now major gaps to fill.
At the Collection's gala opening (Connection 2000) the exhibition's sponsors, Arawak Homes' and Sunshine Insurance's Board Chairman, Mr. Franklyn Wilson, an art collector, himself, briefly spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of patrons and told why his corporation was genuinely happy to have formed an association with the exhibition. Mr. Wilson said that in many first world countries, great companies of those countries operate with values that go far beyond the immediate short-term financial interest of their stockholders. They operate with values that have more significance and greater permanence. "In our case, to make varied and meaningful contributions to the common good of all Bahamians, explains why we are prepared to sponsor an art exhibition. For we are convinced that art is an important medium for helping us all to become a more alert and sensitive society." Said Mr. Wilson about the exhibit, "Quite frankly, the standard of excellence so evident here, reflects the standard of commitment which we wish for all persons who do business with us, to see in our Bahamas. We believe that Antonius is an excellent model of what the rest of the world needs to see of our Bahamas. This also explains our readiness to have agreed to associate with Artist Antonius Roberts."
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Poet Micheal Obediah Smith
at opening presenting his poetry
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Antonius' Collection's exhibition inspired fellow artist ebullient and extraordinarily gifted, Bahamian Poet Obediah Michael Smith, who added to evening of Antonius' guests' light, a well delivered presentation of twenty of his best verses to the animatedly appreciative crowd.
Not a sculptor nor painter, but Smith, the added touch by Antonius, was evidently touching to all.
Born in Nassau, Antonius Roberts studied at the Philadelphia
College of Art where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Fine Art. He has participated significantly in the development of Art Education and National art gallery Museum programmes and institutions in The Bahamas.
His works are represented in private collections in Europe, the United States, Japan, South Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
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Terrance Roberts, brother of the artist
gives vote of thanks on behalf of
the artist and family
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Immediately becoming one of the most powerful figures in The Bahamas' Cultural Community, he does not forget that sponsors and contributors to the Fine Arts are indeed of great benefit to their dissemination and appreciation.
"The arts represent credible creativity and imagination in our community," and we have the task to pass it on to other members of community, our children and to other cultures even. We have no choice; we have to do it.
Sponsors like Arawak Homes', Sunshine Insurance's Mr. Franklyn Wilson, helps to make that possible. That is the whole story," he concluded.
Fine idea, others might just listen and become involved. The Arts deserve it.
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