Bajo El Sol Gallery to Host Launch Party to Celebrate 5th Volume of ‘Forgotten Lands – The Haunted Tropics’

‘Forgotten Lands – The Haunted Tropics’ (Submitted photo)

From 5-7 p.m., Saturday, July 15, Bajo El Sol Gallery will host a launch party to celebrate the 5th Volume of “Forgotten Lands – The Haunted Tropics.“

“Forgotten Lands” is a collection of artists showcasing authentic Caribbean art, culture and dialogue. Interconnecting the diverse people and cultures, and showcasing the region’s unique history. Through the vehicle of art, our goal is to provide a platform for the many forgotten stories of the Caribbean.

In 2017 Cory Torres Bishop and Don Brodie co-produced a benefit art show in Brooklyn, N.Y., to help those affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. After this, the momentum continued and inspired the team to create the annual publication.

Previous editions have featured St. John scholar Hadiya Sewer and writer David Knight Jr. among other Virgin Islanders. This edition features the work of multi-disciplinary artist Savannah Lyons Anthony who was born and raised on St. John.

In Volume 5, “Forgotten Lands” examines the colonial origins that are still at work within and around the Caribbean today. How might today’s coloniality of power present itself in your region and how do you address this in your practice?  While we delve into this theme, it’s imperative to also consider the context of these matrixed layers of identity and the reality of our own displacement in the current post-globalized world.

Located at Mongoose Junction, Cruz Bay St. John, Bajo El Sol Gallery and Art Bar is a hybrid art gallery, bookstore, café, rum and cocktail bar. As a gallery and events space, Bajo El Sol is dedicated to offering the best in Virgin Islands’ fine art and cultural expression.