Participating Artists 2026
CaFA Fair Barbados 2026 - PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
March 11-15, 2026,
Old Spirit Bond, Bridgetown
DIASPORA IMAGES
ART FROM THE CARIBBEAN
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Ademola Olugebefola – US Virgin Islands
Dr. Ademola Olugebefola began his professional career as a bassist, playing with several small ensembles throughout the New York metropolitan area during the late 50s and early 60s. In the late 60’s he turned his creative energies to the visual arts and frequently incorporates musical ideas and theories in his extensive body of work. Over the past four decades, Olugebefola’s works have been included in hundreds of exhibitions at major American museums, universities and cultural institutions internationally. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he has lectured and participated in forums at universities, museums and cultural institutions in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. He is a highly respected cultural activist and renowned Harlem artist whose art and career papers are in the permanent collection of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Hatch Billops Archives, Howard University, and scores of other well-respected American institutions.
Afreekan Southwell – Antigua/US Virgin Islands
Afreekan Southwell was born in Antigua. He moved to the US Virgin Islands in 1981. He is a self-taught artist whose creativity ranges from oil paintings and poetry to acting and music. He is a master wood carver and drummer. His wood carvings reflect his love for his African Heritage. He uses mahogany as his medium and with his hammer and chisel creates a transformation of this beautiful wood that is nothing less than spectacular. Afreekan has recently added a new skill to his already long list of talents, wood turning; creating smaller objects that exhibit his extraordinary gift of communicating with the wood he is working with. Afreekan’s first solo exhibition in New York City, “Reflection of a Culture”, debuted in 2001 to positive critical reviews. He has since exhibited his creations multiple times in USVI, Barbados and the USA.
Ashley Inniss - Barbados
“My name is Ashley Inniss and as an artist I’ve learned to see with my heart and express with my hands all the words that my mouth would never dare to speak and all the brilliance and detail that my eyes will never see this side of eternity, yet and still my heart belongs to the sea and I am captured by its gaze. Every stroke of the brush and touch of His hand is an expression of who I am as a creation of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. As an artist my goal is to create value in the unseen. God is the Creator.”
Barbara Russell – Jamaica/USA
Visiting a Massachusetts spiritual retreat hosted by a native American shaman, I returned to NYC to become a professional doodler bearing the artist name Ms. B. short for Ms. B. The Doodle Queen”. Using ballpoint pens/markers, I doodle every day; quirky, skinny, fine lines that twist into varied fictional botanical shapes residing in colorful landscaped works on paper. Promoting my therapeutic workshops: “Doodle to Dabeat'’ & “Doodle to Refresh Your Noodle”, decreases students of all ages' stress and anxiety levels. I’m influenced by astonishing artists Romare Bearden, Leroy Clarke, Willem de Kooning, Shantell Martin, Julie Mehretu, Cy Twombly, and Robert Motherwell.
Bernard Stanley Hoyes - Jamaica
Bernard Hoyes lives and works in Palm Springs, California. However, his career in art began at an early age in Kingston, Jamaica when he enrolled at The Institute of Jamaica, Junior Art Center. At fifteen years old he moved to New York City to continue his academic and artistic endeavors. Classes at the Art Students League introduced him to the art scene in N.Y.C. He continued his studies at Vermont Academy, in Saxton River, VT and in 1974, he received a B.F.A. in Painting from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Hoyes is particularly known for a body of work that recalls his Afro-Caribbean roots, specifically the rituals of African Spirituality and Christianity. This body of work has earned him multiple awards of excellence internationally. Hoyes has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the globe. He has created murals in the inner city of Los Angeles, CA, has curated exhibitions and served on the board of the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles. His works have been featured in numerous television and film productions, as well as collected internationally. Most recently he was commissioned by the City of Palm Springs to create his “Diversity” steel sculpture as part of the Pillars of Palm Springs public art installation.
Carl F. Anderson - Guyana
Carl Anderson received his early art education at the Burrowes School of the Arts in Guyana. He later immersed himself in the Latin American art milieu by living for 13 years in Venezuela. Known internationally for his bold geometric “Ribbon Series” as well as striking photo realistic paintings, Carl’s work has been exhibited widely in Europe, North and South America, including the Malta Biennale, Italy’s Grolla D’Oro and the Guyana National Art Gallery. In 2010 Carl produced a sensational series of works tackling the controversial subject of domestic violence. His work was recently selected to represent the Americas at the 8th Beijing Art Biennale, 2019 China.
Carlos Santiago – Puerto Rico
Carlos Santiago was born in 1978 in Peñuelas, PR. He began his formal training and graduated from the Puerto Rico School of Plastic Arts in 2001. After graduating he was awarded the Arana Scholarship, providing him with the privilege of living in Paris for a year. Santiago took full advantage of his stay by enrolling at the Teophile Gautier institute; the De la Marie Fine Arts Workshop; and the Daniel Fisher Studio. In addition, he had the opportunity to work at the Alfonso Arana atelier, and at his own atelier in Gambetta. To further his technique and knowledge, Santiago joined the “Les Rats Du Champs”, a group that travels yearly to the Alps to paint exclusively in watercolors. In 2015, Santiago decided to continue his studies finishing a M.A. in Painting and Drawing from the Catholic University of Ponce, PR. Since 2001, Santiago has held eleven individual exhibitions in Puerto Rico and abroad. Equally, he has participated in collective exhibitions in the United States, Canada, France, Peru and Puerto Rico. Santiago’s work embodies his expressionism and speaks to us of resistance, humanity, and defiance. Santiago also participated for almost 5 years as an exclusive artist of one of the most recognized and prestige art galleries in Puerto Rico, “Galeria Petrus” situated in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Carlos Santiago has also been a constant collaborator within the Puerto Rico art community, he has been teaching at the Ponce Art Museum, since 2001. He has been involved with various municipalities in the island to keep art alive in their communities. In 2020, Santiago's hometown of Peñuelas contracted Santiago to design a public art piece, a "Yo Soy Peñuelas" entrance sign to the municipality. Recently his latest public artwork, the entrance to Yauco’s Urban Park, was inaugurated in August 2022. Carlos Santiago is an artist that cares in teaching and influencing others through his artwork and vast knowledge.
Charles Jean-Pierre - Haiti
Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre is a Howard University Alum and American University adjunct professor in fine arts. His exhibitions include the U.S. State Department, IMF, IDB, Smithsonian, & Embassy of Haiti. He was a 2015 Obama White House invitee for arts in Youth Justice. His practice recognizes the erasure of our complex histories & challenges the narrative that we are perpetual outsiders. JeanPierre's work attempts to create the informed cultural context needed to make sense of the American connection to the global south, and vice versa.
Cher Antoinette Corbin – Barbados
Barbadian Forensic Scientist, Visual Artist & Writer, Cher-Antoinette is multi-faceted and has been successful at NIFCA in Photography 2009, Literary Arts 2011/2012/2013/2014 and Fine Arts 2012/2013. She has published a poetic anthology MY SOUL CRIES in 2013, VIRTUALIS: A New Age Love Story in 2014 and ARCHITECTS OF DESTINY: Poetry & Prose in 2015. Her artistic journey started in earnest in 2014 where she decided to let her work speak to her life. A self-taught emerging artist, the process included finding what media she was most comfortable with and resulted in works of Watercolour, Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Acrylic and a mixed media of all three. Most recently she has ventured into Modern Pointillism and Hard Edge Abstract Art. Cher has gotten much attention since the launch of C-Toi Wearable Art, a jewelry line that showcases her Acrylic Fluid Art. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and brings art to the average person in an affordable form. The pieces are also enhanced with healing crystals such as amethyst, hematite and black onyx. She has had two solo art exhibitions, “Just Call Me Sarah” at the UWI in 2017 and “The Colours of My Life” in 2018 at the OAS Marcus Garvey Gallery and the Barbados Embassy in Washington DC. Cher is an active artist within the local fraternities of Artist Alliance Barbados, who hosted a national exhibition celebrating our island’s 50th year of Independence; and Artist Studio Tours Barbados who showcases the artists via onsite studio visits and online gallery viewing and auctions.
Chris Cumberbatch - Barbados
Christopher Cumberbatch is an acclaimed artist, a graduate of Art and Design High School, and Parsons School of Design. He has been an active member of the Local 829 Scenic Artist Union for over 20 years and developed a thriving decorative paint company. Chris is presently the Charge Scenic Painter for the 2022 upcoming movie The TV Glows and The Best Man 3. In 2021 he was the Camara Scenic on Michael Che’s “Comedy Show”, and Saturday Night Live. Chris worked as Camara Scenic and Scenic Artist on Awkwafina “Nora from Queens”, he was Camara Scenic on the Netflix production Kevin James “The Crew”, and he was a Scenic Artist on the Fox TV production “Prodigal Son”. A few film productions that he worked on includes, Tonya Lewis Lee’s Monster, Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Crooklyn, and Robert De Niro’s A Bronx Tale. Chris designed the set for the 2022 National Black Theater productions Gong Lum's Legacy. In 2020 he was the Poster Designer for the documentary film, “Chicago, Americas Hidden War”. 2017 Chris’ received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Theater Festival. Other theatrical awards include 6 Audelco Awards: 2019 “Looking for Leroy”, 2018 “Harriet’s Return”, 2015 Black Wall Street, additional Audelco Awards include, Nuyorican Poets Café, presentation of “Meeting Miss Lilly”, and Julius Caesar set in Africa” and National Black Theater presentation of “The Shaneequa Chronicles”, Woody King Jr’s New Federal Theater “Finding Leroy”. His fine art paintings were featured in a solo exhibition at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza’s “Skylight Gallery” in 2006 as well as exhibitions at The Poets Den Theatre and Gallery, NYC, 2009 and 2013.
Creative Arts Fellowship - Barbados
Dale Benskin - Barbados
Dale Benskin is a Barbadian based photographer with a deep love and appreciation for all forms of photography. With over 20 years of refining his craft, Dale is constantly evolving and learning new skills with every photoshoot. Dale’s portfolio covers many genres and subject matters, which include but are not limited to: Food, Fashion, Sun lit Portraits, Nature and Stock photography. Currently his focus is Cosplay photography which brings him endless joy to capture.
Diogenes Ballester – Puerto Rico
Diogenes Ballester, visual artist, educator, and writer holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BFA from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. He has taught as Professor of Art at The Cooper Union in New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz, the College of New Rochelle and The State University of New York at Albany. Mr. Ballester’s work explores oral history, memory, mythology, ritual, and cultural identity along a transnational spectrum. In recent exhibitions, he has appropriated cultural objects and historical artifacts together with painting, drawing, prints and new media as a way of accessing the past and re-interpreting the present in a trans-Caribbean dialogue. Ballester has received numerous honors for his artistic work and has exhibited widely in the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. His work is in numerous private and public collections.
Domingo Ramos – Puerto Rico
Domingo Javier Ramos Gigliotti (born April 20, 1990, Jacksonville, Florida) is a Puerto Rican and American visual artist. Veteran of the Marine Corps whose abstract works driven by emotion reflect a lifelong journey of self-expression and transformation. Raised by an art teacher mother and an engineer father, Domingo was immersed in creativity from an early age. As a child, he found comfort in drawing cartoons and inventing characters that embodied the friendships he longed for, saying, "When I draw, I want people to see my feelings." From 2013 to 2017, Domingo served in the United States. Marine Corps. After his service, a crucial moment came at the age of 33 when he began working with the renowned Puerto Rican artist Carlos Alberto Santiago. This tutoring awakened his passion for abstract art, which became a powerful channel to express deep emotions and personal narrative. During a trip to California, Domingo studied acting at San Francisco City College and John Paul Catholic, further enriching his artistic voice. Upon returning to Puerto Rico, he was reunited with painting, fusing his diverse experiences in a unique artistic language. Domingo is currently exhibiting his work in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Fay Martindale – Barbados
Fay Martindale is a Barbadian artist who is a trained Art Educator. Fay is versatile as both a teacher and an artist. She holds a master’s degree in creative arts with a specialization in Art Education. Locally, she has participated in exhibitions such as “Young Contemporaries”; “The Crop Over Exhibition”, “Black and Blue”; "The Cos Uh”, and “X-Amined”. Most recently she participated in an art teachers’ exhibition titled, “Makers and Mentors” at Brushtrokes Caribbean Gallery. Internationally, Fay has participated in the 6th and 8th International Miniature Biennial in Quebec. Fay believes that art provides a channel through which she transcends the mere physical and operates at a higher level of consciousness enabling a connection with the creator. Essentially, Art for her is an act of worship.
Francks Francois Deceus - Haiti
Born in Haiti in 1966, Décéus and his family moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine years old. It was not until he graduated from Long Island University with a degree in Sociology that he turned to making art as a career. Stylistically his work incorporates many of the influences and aesthetic forms of the 40’s and 50’s visual artists like William Johnson and Jacob Lawrence, which reverberates with some of the artistic strains of his native Haiti. His modernist style combines figurative, abstract and layered elements and relies heavily on a simplification of form and function. Décéus was profiled in a 1998 issue of the International Review of African American Art as “one of the leading young modern painters of his generation, whose work depicts a high degree of sensitivity to social issues and his culture”. He was featured in “100 New York Painters”, an extensive survey of significant New York painters and their widely diverse works. The Brooklyn Academy of Music and Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York have commissioned his paintings. His work is in the permanent collection of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Xavier University and a legion of private collections.
Jamal Ince – Barbados
“I am drawn to music as a primary theme because of its ability to evoke such emotion while coming from an invisible world. Color for me is liquid sound.” Brooklyn based artist Jamal Ince received his B.F.A in Photography from Pratt Institute in 1991 and his MS in Education from Long Island University in 2005. Jamal has exhibited his paintings and photographs widely in the tri state area, as well as in Miami and Barbados. The Stamford Center for the Arts, Selena Gallery/Long Island University, Skylight Gallery Restoration Plaza, Five Myles Gallery, The Barbados Consulate at New York and most recently, Art Africa Miami are a few of the venues where the artist’s work has been shown. His work is held in many private collections and he has created several public works including one for the NYC transit system. Jamal’s painting “Angry Young Tenor” was recently featured in the interior design magazine “New York Spaces”. Jamal has participated in artist residencies at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Museum of African Art. He currently teaches visual art to inner city youth in Brooklyn.
John Alleyne - Barbados
John Alleyne (b. 1990) is an artist, educator, and independent curator from St. John, Barbados living and working in New Orleans, LA. His practice is rooted in explorations of memory, freedom and sanctum, connecting his lived experience with an intuitive, experimental process of silkscreen mark making and silkscreen-collage. Through this process, Alleyne challenges notions of colonialism, social injustice, stereotypes, reclaims narratives, and celebrates the beauty of going against mainstream societal norms. He received his MFA from Louisiana State University, with a concentration in painting and drawing. Alleyne has been a fellow of Oxbow, ACRE, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. He has exhibited work throughout various galleries and museums in the American South, the Caribbean, and Ireland. His work is featured in New American Paintings (South Issue 142), Southern Cultures, Country Roads Magazine, The Chicago Reader, The Shepherd Express, Studio Visit Magazine, 225 Magazine, Savannah Now, and Issue #23 of The Hand Magazine. Alleyne is an Assistant Professor of Art at Southern University and A&M College. He is an artist member of Baton Rouge Gallery and a collective member at Antenna in New Orleans. Alleyne is also the recipient of a 2023 Take Notice Fund Award and a 2025 Platforms Research Development Grant.
Kerrie Horton-Wiltshire – Barbados
Kerrie Horton is an artist whose latest work, L'irrek, emerged from a transformative period in her life, sparked by deep conversations and emotional reflections with a supportive friend. This collaborative journey became a turning point for Kerri, as it encouraged her to venture into uncharted artistic territory. Initially grappling with self-doubt, Kerri's perspective shifted dramatically when she shared a piece from L'irrek. The genuine excitement and encouragement she received from her friend validated her efforts and fueled her creative spirit, allowing her to delve deeper into her art. Drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes of Barbados, Kerri's work highlights the unique beauty of Bajan stones. She believes that the essence of L'irrek is rooted in her homeland, where each piece reflects the vibrant spirit of her surroundings and intertwines her narrative with the rich cultural heritage of her country. Kerri invites you to join her on this artistic journey as she unveils L'irrek, celebrating the transformative power of creativity.
Malique Shorey - Barbados
Malique Shorey was born Barbados on February 6th, 2000. He was not always an artist initially. He was more of an aspirant to greater things or a dreamer, but always to something vague and unsure, always fleeting. His path as an artist started on a whim after his CSEC exams. With no clear route at the time he chose to attend the Barbados Community College and obtain an Associate Degree in Fine Art. Now his body of works consist mainly of small and medium sized paintings but seek to extend outside of traditional bounds of art by using sculpture, painting, storytelling and designing to create not only a set of art works but also a space for them to exist and belong. Malique’s work has been exhibited at The Barbados Community College Gallery and at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. Since exhibiting at Caribbean Fine Art Fair Barbados in 2019, his work has attracted the notice of international collectors especially in the USA. Not one to be confined to just the galleries, he has also created logos and tattoo designs for companies and individuals alike.
Moses Ros-Suarez – Dominican Republic
Moses Ros‐Suárez is best known for his intense paintings and sculptures that transform common objects in his characteristically expressionist style. His large graphics of figures and objects explore themes such as AIDS awareness, the global economic crisis, and personal versus national identity and power. Ros--‐Suárez has had one--‐person exhibitions at museums in the United States and the Caribbean, including the Yeshiva University Museum, New York; the Paterson Museum, New Jersey; and the Instituto de Cultura y Arte in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the Bronx Council for the Arts have awarded him commissions for public sculptures, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority for stained glass windows. A licensed architect in the state of New York, Ros-Suárez is a graduate of the Pratt Institute.
Noel N. Hall – Jamaica
Noel Nantambu Hall, dancer, educator, choreographer, actor, poet, singer, visual artist, and hand bell player, began his career in Kingston, Jamaica, singing on the radio. He has performed with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica, LTM Pantomime Musicals and in several major theater productions. He continued his studies in New York at the Martha Graham School, Clark Center, New Dance Group Studio and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. He has taught and performed nationally and internationally spanning the U.S.A., Africa, Syria, Portugal, Taiwan, Iceland, Hong Kong and Germany. He soon added painting to his burgeoning repertoire of talents and took the opportunity to enhance his instinctive visual artistic awareness with classes and serving as a model for art classes while being an Artist-in-Residence at Stephen’s College in Missouri. Mr. Hall earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree, with a concentration in the arts, from SUNY/Empire State College in 1983; and a Master of Arts degree from New York University in 1990. His work is in many private collections and has been exhibited widely at galleries and non-traditional spaces in the New York Tri-State area. His latest artistic endeavor, spring of 2025 was playing four characters in MONTSERRAT: A Comedy Divine – The Jumbie Play by the late Edgar Nkosi White and directed by Dana McBroom-Manno.
Patricia Brintle - Haiti
Self-taught artist Patricia Brintle was born in Haiti and immigrated to the United States in 1964. Although she has made the U.S. her residence, her colorful style reflects her native land. Her works on the Holocaust are on permanent display at the Holocaust Center of Temple Judea in New York and are used as teaching tools for visitors. One of her religious works, The First Mother, travelled with the Black Madonna Exhibit which made its debut at the famed National Museum of Catholic Art and History in New York and toured museums throughout the United States. One of her paintings hangs in the permanent collection of Albert Schweitzer Institute in Hamden, Connecticut, and her images have been published in both secular and religious periodicals.
Ras Ilix Heartman – Barbados
Ras Ilix Heartman, wood sculptor and farmer, was born in Barbados. His first international exposure was at the Third Havana Biennial in Cuba which was followed by the “In The Spirit Festival" at Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Since then his work has been exhibited at numerous exhibitions in Barbados and in the U.S. His sculpture Melchizedek was awarded "Best In Show" at the 1997 Black History Month Exhibition held at New York’s Hintersteiner Gallery in Washington Heights. Ras Ilix’ 2012 solo show received critical acclaim at the Queen’s Park Gallery in Barbados. In 2021 he was selected as artist in residence by Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in St. Croix, USVI as well as participating as one of 12 Barbadian artists in "Reflections on Emancipation & Post-Colonial Society" which traveled from Barbados to the Caribbean Museum Center in August 2021. His sculptures are a part on many private and public collections including the Barbados National Collection.
Richlin Burnett Ryan
Richlin Ryan was born in Guyana, South America and after immigrating to the US at 9 years old grew up in Brooklyn. She received her training at New York City’s School of Visual Arts and Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York. In 1991 she married artist, Weldon Ryan, and started a family. With her husband started Rich and Well graphics, Inc. Later she worked as the Art Director of IDD Magazine for Thompson Financial, NYC. In 2004 she moved to Palm Coast Florida with her family and continued working as a graphic designer. She created Greenup Magazine, Voice Youth Magazine for the Florida Endowment Foundation, and was the creative art director for OVT magazine. In 2016 Richlin and Weldon Ryan opened Calypso Fine Art Gallery. Presently she is a full-time artist and curated art exhibitions for Bethune-Cookman University Performing Arts Center and Visual Gallery; and the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Gallery. Her paintings are rich assemblages of layered forms, vibrant colors, expressions and gestures. They have been exhibited widely at galleries and institutions in Chicago, Florida, and Washington DC.
Shawn Alleyne - Barbados
Shawn Alleyne is a Creator, an artist of many disciplines. His primary path is that of a freelance Visual Artist, but he is also a Writer, Inker, Designer, Publisher, Teacher and Curator. Born and raised on the island of Barbados, he now resides in Philadeldelphia where he produces work that fuses the elements of sci-fi, mythology, and Afro-aesthetics with his Caribbean roots, love of hip-hop and gritty self-taught techniques into a unique style. His work has been published and showcased through numerous creative mediums in everything from comics, to novels, to video game design, to music videos, tattoos and so much more. Parallel to his artistic achievements he also seeks to build the bonds of the artistic community. As such he founded the art group Artmada, an artist collective with an agenda to showcase diverse indy art. He co-founded and remains part of Street Team Studios, an entertainment company collective with a comic book, video game and movie optioned IP. Shawn is also the founder of The Xion Network, a Comic Book Networking-Social gathering group with a branch in Philadelphia and Barbados. Through the Xion Network Shawn then curated numerous art exhibits and facilitated many workshops, ultimately leading him to host of the open mic/art exhibit/drawing group series The Xion Art/Cypher. Even with all of this, he says the most rewarding experience has been his opportunity to teach his Comic Book workshops at various after-school programs both nationally and internationally, and now through virtual classes.
Sherridean Carmichael - Barbados
“As an inspirational Fine Artist, my work is rooted in a deep desire to bring peace, hope, and faith to the hearts of those who encounter it. Through the bold and expressive use of color, I aim to uplift the spirit and ignite a sense of restoration and renewal. Each piece I create is a reflection of my personal journey…a testimony of resilience and faith, woven with vibrant hues of heavenly blues, fiery oranges, and confident purples. These colors are more than just aesthetic choices; they symbolize calm, passion, and divine connection, speaking to the deeper truths of the human experience. Art, for me, is not merely about creating something beautiful; it’s a calling to share light in a world that often feels dark. My hope is that my work serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, there is always room for joy, restoration, and spiritual awakening. Whether I am painting, mentoring, or exhibiting my art, I am committed to inspiring others to see beyond the surface and embrace the possibilities of peace, hope, and faith. My art is my gift back to the Creator, and it is my prayer that each bold masterpiece becomes a beacon of light to those who need it most.”
Steve Reid - Barbados
Steve Reid is a University of the West Indies trained agriculturist who has worked within the agricultural and financial services sectors for over two decades. Pottery making, however, has always appealed to his creative spirit and was brought to light in the early ’90s with displays at the Bridgetown Market and at the Barbados Crop Over Festival. His work often shows plant life and natural features of his environment, and embodies an ancient spirit in a unique, contemporary style.
Tau Battice – St. Kitts/Nevis
Tau Battice was born in Basseterre, St. Kitts-Nevis, and is based in New York City. He is a lifelong lover of the photograph and its power to preserve the moment, proclaim nuance, and propel humanity to positive action. He teaches at Guttman, City University of New York and lives in Harlem. Specializing in portraiture, with a primary interest in creating visual ethnographies of the underrepresented African diaspora, Tau engages in long-term personal projects from the Bronx to Brazil where he strives to honorably document communities of African descent. He has done photographic work in The Dominican Republic, Colombia, Chile, England, and Brazil. He exhibits widely with 27 solo and group exhibits to date. His images have been published from the U.S. to Japan in publications such as “The Huffington Post”, “HYCIDE, “The Nation”, “The Village Voice”, “Kajima” and “Nueva Luz. On the strength of his ethnographic portraits of his Caribbean homeland, Tau was selected to deliver the nationally televised Prime Minister's Lecture in Basseterre, St. Kitts in September 2022 and "40 x
40: A Photographic Journey of Independence and Resilience" at the National Arts Center in Ottawa, Canada in September 2023. Tau is currently working on his first monograph, “Daddying”, which visually explores the relationships between Black fathers and their sons.
Trevor Todd – Bermuda
Trevor was born in Hamilton, Bermuda in 1965 and is a diverse artist whose works consists of mixed mediums. This technique allows him to express himself freely, with the ·intent of encouraging each individual viewer to interpret and take their own personal journey as they observe and analyze his work. Trevor also expresses his artistic talents at times through music (didgeridoo), photography, poetry, as well as through performing as Bermuda Gombey dancer; an iconic symbol of Bermuda with indigenous, African and Caribbean roots. Trevor's journey to becoming an artist is a combination of self-discovery and a trip Australia in 2005. It was during that particular journey while exploring the Aboriginal people's unique culture and art in particular, that he credits to opening up his mind to the possibilities within artistic expression and the freedom it provided him to express himself in such a way that was new, invigorating and therapeutic for his soul. Originally self-taught, Trevor later continued his progression as an artist through formal classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York City; studying different artistic styles and techniques whilst there, gaining a deeper understanding of different artistic methods that intrigued him,in addition to utilizing the experiences to help him further develop his own craft. His work has been exhibited widely at galleries and institutions in Bermuda, New York City, and Aux Molieres, France.
Tyson Hall – Barbados/USA
Actor Tyson Hall is a classically trained actor with over 20 years of experience. Hall can be found playing “Sam” in the hit show Power Book III: Raising Kanan, featured on the Starz network. He has also shared the television screen with Award-winning actors Forest Whitaker and Louise Guzman in the hit series The Godfather of Harlem as the character “The Vein” which is featured on the Epix network. Hall was most recognized in the indie film titled Pimp where he played Slim and had the opportunity to co-star with KeKe Palmer, Aunjanue Ellis, and the late rapper DMX. His love of film and television does not supersede his passion for the stage. Studying theatre at Harlem School of the Arts under James Pringle, taught Hall the fundamentals of the stage. Hall was recently cast as “Julian Ortiz” in a play called “The Gate” featured at Gerald W Lynch Theater at John Jay College, which is his alma mater. Tyson Hall has a love for learning. He furthered his education at City College of NY where he learned classical theater and performed Shakespeare along with numerous stage productions. Hall later went on to become an active member of the Actor’s Studio, where he learned the Stanislavski method of acting. Hall also received training from acting coach Susan Batson who taught him sense memory and character development. His visual art has been informed by an informal education in the Streets of New York in what is known today as “Street Art.” His work has morphed into an unprecedented form of visionary delight and eye raising awareness. He has since been featured at Miami’s Art Basel, and donated pieces for auction to New York City museums and charities such as The Jackie Robinson Foundation, Abyssinian Baptist Church, The MOCADA Museum, and the ARRC.
Vidho Lorville - Haiti
Vidho Lorville's artwork is currently a part of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation art collection New Orleans, Louisiana, the National Museum of Mexican Art Chicago, the McKenna Museum of African American Art, New Orleans, Louisiana. He received rewards and fellowships from art institutions including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation 2011, the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation 2006, the Joan Mitchell Foundation 2006, among others. Between 2005 and 2006, he was one of the selected artists for the studio space program of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, LMCC with an artist grant from the Andy Warhol foundation. In the summer of 2002, the jury's selection of his art portfolio granted him a full scholarship to be an artist participant of the Skowhegan Art School of Painting and Sculpture residency program of the same year. Vidho’s artwork has been exhibited widely in the US and abroad and he has received critical acclaim by critics and publications including New York 1 News, NY Times, NY Arts Magazine, and New Orleans Times Picayune News. In 2011, his ongoing community outreach project took the initiative to connect children of New Orleans and Haiti through the making of a public art project of a mural, which is documenting and sharing their experiences of natural disaster survivors of these two places. Vidho Lorville is currently living in the city of New York where he continues to make artwork and teach visual art.
Weldon Ryan – Trinidad & Tobago
Weldon Ryan (b.1962) was born in The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. Graduate of the
H.S. of Art and Design 1981 and attended the State University at New Paltz, 1981- 82, Attended Fashion Institute of Technology, 1982 – 85. Graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1985, A.A. In General Illustration. Interned at Quato Book Publishing 1985-1986, freelance comp artist for Ad Agencies. 1987 to 1989 NYC Urban Park Ranger. In 1989 worked for NYPD as a Police Officer and Forensic Artist Unit in 1994 till retirement in 2004 and now resides in Palm Coast, Florida. Weldon draws inspiration from his homeland's culture and traditions. For nearly thirty years, he has been painting carnival scenes, depicting the colorful celebration of Caribbean culture. Weldon's art has gained recognition and appreciation from people around the world. His paintings have been featured in various galleries and exhibitions, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. For Weldon, painting is not just a profession but a passion. He hopes that his art will inspire and encourage others to embrace their culture with pride and celebrate it.
Memories of Timothy Callendar
Paintings by the late enigmatic Barbadian creative (1946-89)
“Diaspora Dialogue “XIII” – Exhibition of Global Diaspora Artists
- Curtis Grayson III – USA
Curtis Grayson, III, has had the desire to be an artist at an early age, after exposure to the work of artist Ernie Barnes on his favorite TV sitcom, “Good Times”. He received his artistic training at William Paterson University where he received degrees in studio art as well as African, African American & Caribbean studies. He works with oils, acrylics, watercolors, collage and other mixed media; using bold, brilliant and bright hues, which display power and energy with each brush stroke. His paintings are filled with strong emotions and feeling. One of Grayson’s most celebrated series of work is his “Revelations Series”, a dedication to Alvin Ailey’s signature dance piece. One of the pieces in the collection entitled, “Dance of August” can be seen in the HBO production of Terri McMillan’s novel Disappearing Acts, starring Sanaa Lathan and Wesley Snipes, which premiered December 2000. In 2013 Grayson’s artwork was selected to be featured in the highly anticipated “BEST MAN 2” the follow up sequel from Director Malcolm Lee featuring his original co-stars Nia Long and Morris Chestnut. Mr. Grayson is currently an Art Teacher at Columbia High School, NJ. He has had the opportunity to exhibit his work in the New York tri-state area, several other regions of the USA, and abroad; while attracting and receiving numerous noteworthy collectors.
Beatrice Elder - UK
Beatrice Elder is a London-based intuitive visual artist with Barbadian maternal lineage and Caribbean heritage. Her work emerges through quiet, reflective processes that draw on ancestral memory, emotional presence and spiritual insight. Using colour as a symbolic and expressive language, she creates paintings that explore transformation, resilience and the unseen energies that shape human experience. Beatrice’s works, such as Silent Warrior, African Renaissance, Ancestral Flames and Finding the Ancestral Passage, reflect her interest in bridging personal narrative with ancestral connection. Her practice continues to evolve as she builds relationships with galleries across the Caribbean and the diaspora.
Khuumba Ama - USA
Khuumba Ama hails from the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor of Savannah, Georgia. She now resides in Harlem, USA. She is a full time multi-dimensional Visual Artist, Storyteller and Reiki Therapist. Khuumba uses various textures to tell the stories of her art, such as, images printed on canvas, a technique Ms. Ama developed while experimenting with various materials to create her collages; sand and felting. Khuumba is currently the President of National Conference of Artists (NCA), New York Chapter. As a Teaching Artist, her classes are designed for elevating “Life Skills Through Art”. In September 2019, Khuumba received a Citation from the City Council of New York, for Outstanding Work in Community Service.
Ross Browne – USA
Ross Browne studied Communication Art and Design at Virginia Commonwealth University
and Photography at The Corcoran School of the Arts. He is also an alumnus of The Miller
School of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Virginia. He has taught art and design for inner city
and at-risk youth for the Fresh Air Fund of N.Y.C, Weed and Seed, Project Ready and Art 180
of Richmond, VA. He was also an instructor for the Resident Associate Program at The
Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. During his tenure as the Art Specialist for the VCU
Health System, Ross practiced art therapy for and taught art to his various patients with an
emphasis on pediatric hematology/oncology, infectious disease and brain injury patients. He is
also an illustrator and graphic designer with a long and varied list of clientele. Ross continues to
paint and write out of his studio in Richmond, Virginia. In a review of the exhibition Art Fusion in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Special Correspondent, CeCe Bullard wrote; "Browne, always
intense and direct, explores the many faces of the American experience in a variety of media,
each of which he uses effectively." S. Ross Browne is the recipient of numerous awards and
honors, and has been featured in various local and national media. His work has been acquired
by the internationally recognized Virginia Museum of Fine Art and is in the collection of
international, national, and local institutions.
In the Eye of the Beholder Gallery, San Antonio, TX representing:
ZENC – representing artists:
Alberto Opoku - Ghana
Alberto is from Ghana, West Africa. I was born in the Kumasi Ashanti Region of Ghana. I grew up as a young boy admiring nature, its impact on humans, and how nature positively influences humans. With this admiration, l began to put heart and humanity into Arts. Art that portrays nature and gives insight to various races of humans across all continents. I have therefore developed a passion for Arts and do it as a full-time artist. My dream is that the world will see my Artwork.
Bismark Mensah Bonsu - Ghana
Bismark Mensah Bonsu, hailing from the vibrant town of Sehwi Wiawso in Ghana, is an artist whose work transcends mere aesthetics, embodying the philosophy that "Art is Life, Feel It and Love It." From a young age, Bismark exhibited a profound passion for creativity, drawing inspiration from the colorful landscapes, diverse cultures, and the everyday lives of the people around him. His artwork often reflects the intricate dynamics of life in Ghana, capturing emotions and experiences that resonate universally. Through various mediums, including painting and mixed media, he invites viewers to engage with the raw beauty of human existence. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Bismark Mensah Bonsu remains a prominent voice in the Ghanaian art scene, advocating for the transformative power of creativity.
Daniel Quarico – Ghana
Daniel hails from the Kumasi Ashanti Region of Ghana. He has trained with master sculptors from this traditional art community and has imbued the traditional art forms with his own contemporary flourishes. His unique combination of African hardwoods from Ghana and Togo infused in many cases with w/melted British Coins (circa pre-1962) is a tribute to the ancestors who endured the strictures of colonialism.
ZENC Bean & Art Imports Ltd
ZENC was born in 2019 during a visit to Senegal and Ghana. We met several talented artists who skillfully used colour to create beautiful paintings. Furthermore, it was a pleasure to observe trained artists coach and mentor raw budding talent to hone their artistic abilities. Our goal is not only to help these artists survive and feed their families but also an element to propagate their culture and heritage through art. West African art is a visual voice and vehicle that connects to the people's souls.