ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT | JANEEN WALKER - 'WHY NOT PRETTY'
“WHEREVER YOU ARE, BE ALL THERE. ”
what’s the secret to curating extraordinary experiences? hanging out with extraordinary people. Welcome to Cacique’s Artist in the Spotlight series - where we dive deep into a thriving Bahamian art scene, connecting with artists making waves on island and around the world. What makes them stand out? What moves them? What brings their canvases to life?
In this episode, we introduce you to Janeen Walker, an artist whose love for the mysterious and magical underwater world, particularly jellyfish, extends from the canvas to the tattoos on her skin. She recently had her first solo exhibition - “Why Not Pretty” - hosted at The Island House, Nassau and we were there at the opening night. This body of work, she says, is her commentary on taking things exactly as they come; in a hyperactive digital age where social media forces us to study our every action as potential “content,” this is Janeen’s ode to “presentness” - to enjoying the moment and connecting with ones’ emotions without analyzing the process or outcome. Using a technique of layering paint, ink, resin and plexiglass, Walker invites the viewer to look below the surface and get lost in the depths of movement and color, transporting them to a whole new world.
Janeen Walker at the opening of her first solo show entitled “Why Not Pretty” at The Island House, Nassau.
Cacique: “Why Not Pretty.” Is there a meaning behind the name of your first solo show?
Janeen: There sure is. During my time at The Current, we would have a lot of weekly open call art critiques of new and established artists. The critiques, though very useful and positive to the development of the art, would sometimes be too intense in defining processes and reasons and the simple beauty of the piece would just be lost or overlooked. “Why not Pretty” is my way of asking the viewer to just look at the art for its face value; though most of my pieces are layered and deep, don't overanalyze the process and look past the beauty. Try to find some beauty in everything! Why can’t it just be pretty?
C: Tell us who you are you in 5 sentences or less.
J: I am a wife and a Mum. I am a musician and believer in all things simply beautiful. I believe that art can be felt and doesn't always need description and analysis. It should be cathartic to the maker and impactful to the viewer. I am so grateful for all of the gifts and talents I have been blessed to develop. I am a work in progress, and I am learning to enjoy the journey. I think that’s five…
“Don’t overanalyze the process and look past the beauty. Try to find some beauty in everything! Why can’t it just be pretty?”
C: What inspires you as an artist?
J: I am deeply inspired by music and positive energy. I am intrigued by the materials that I work with and I’m always being surprised and challenged by the possibilities of resin. I often depict jellyfish in my work. I love jellyfish because of their mutable nature, their colors and strength and intense weird beauty. I thrive in pushing my materials to different applications, and finding ways to innovate and perfect my practice.
C: What is your preferred medium and why?
J: Right now it is epoxy on anything I can work it into...it is the perfect canvas to inject imagery into, encapsulating it forever in a translucent cocoon.
C: Where is Bahamian art headed? And where do you fit into the picture?
J: I feel that the current state of Bahamian art is at a phenomenal place. There are so many established and emerging artists pushing through boundaries, redefining themselves and their art on a global level. With social media, Bahamian artists are on the same platform of exposure as the rest of the world. I feel like I fit in where every other artist fits in...trying to push my practice to higher standards, working towards more opportunities abroad and putting more spotlight on what it is to be a “Bahamian artist.”
C: Has Hurricane Dorian had any impact on your art? Do you believe that art can be helpful in times of crisis (for the artist and / or viewer)?
J: I feel that the tragedy that occurred and the aftermath of Dorian brought out the absolute best in our Bahamian artists. The way that artists rallied together, donating their talents and time to help, was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! I am working on a series of small epoxy pieces that I am calling “Dorian Flowers” that will be completely in aid of the people that still need so much.
C: Tell us about your residency at “the current” at baha mar, and its impact on your art.
J: My residency at The Current was the turning point for me to go from a hobby artist to what I am today. It challenged me to push my abilities beyond what I knew. I worked larger than I ever imagined, rethought materials and applications and it basically made me push myself to mature to the level of the other artists around me. I will FOREVER be grateful for my residency and the people at The Current!
C: Tell us about the most experimental piece of art you have ever done?
J: That would be my disc series that I unveiled at this show at The Island House. I began working on them a few years ago but did not resolve them. I started working on them again for this show and I am thrilled with them. The process is epoxy in round moulds layered with inks and pigments, creating the most amazing effects! I am in love with these!
C: Any new year's resolutions for 2020?
J: I believe that everyday is an opportunity for improvement, self awareness, goal achievement and happiness...why wait till once a year to be better? Make that resolution everyday!
C: Cupcake and coffee or conch salad and Kalik?
J: Ohhh that’s a tough one? What time are we talking?? Lol!! If its past 10 a.m, Kalik and conch salad baby!
C: What’s next for Janeen Walker?
J: I want to explore my disc series and freehand pouring of large landscapes with resin...I’ll let you know what the resin thinks about it though!
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At Cacique, we love to showcase our colourful art scene and the characters that create its distinct flair. For more information on Janeen Walker or any of our other fabulous Artists In The Spotlight, or to find out about curating a unique experience, feel free to contact us.
Looking forward to the next chat! SMS ;)