This week, Hotel 1829 on St. Thomas will host a curated exhibition that bridges centuries, generations, and artistic traditions. “Resurrection: Old World, New Works”, presented by Aubrey Artworks, runs May 20-22 from 4.p.m. to 9 p.m. and features a cash bar, along with an eclectic mix of local and internationally acclaimed artists.
The exhibition brings together established older creators, some in their 80’s and 90’s, alongside emerging artists from St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and abroad. The setting, Hotel 1829, is one of the oldest structures on St. Thomas and serves as a co-curator of sorts with its antique architecture providing a visual and historical counterpoint to contemporary works.
According to Aubrey Artworks, the theme emerged directly from the artist’s themselves. Working with creators in their later decades inspired the idea of resurrecting work from their earlier eras and presenting it alongside fresh voices just beginning to make their mark. The historic hotel setting reinforces this dialogue between old and new, with newer works adding different energy to walls that have witnessed nearly two centuries of history.
The exhibition features a diverse roster of talent, including: Andrew Barlas, David Berg, Ernie Bertrand, Greatness Was When, Jon Euwema, Jose Ramon Santiago, Mabel Maduro, Nikki Brown, Sara Lee Hayes, Sarah Swan, Shomo Art Studio, Theodora Moorehead, and Vicki Brown. Three internationally acclaimed artists are also featured: Dora Afolabi, Ellen Graubaugh, and IYANSA.
Aubrey Artworks describes the common thread running through all of his exhibitions as fundamentally people-centered. The focus is on community and on individuals with different perspectives at particular moments in their lives. Each artist brings a message to the viewer, and the goal is for that viewer, or participant, or seer, to be move by the work.
Future exhibitions from Aubrey Artworks will introduce more interactive elements. Plans include live artists working on-site, greater depth across different media, sound components, tactile experiences, and wearable art. “The goal is to continue showing work in luxury living spaces and boutique hotels on and around the territory, spaces where some community artists might not otherwise have easy access. My role is holding space for artists both literally and figuratively,” said owner A.C. Burgess.
