Guyana's Unique Culture Explored in 'Liminal Space' Exhibit

The complexities of Guyanese culture are being explored in a collaborative exhibition by 16 artists, entitled "Liminal Space," at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) in Harlem, New York. 

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"Liminal Space," which includes works by 16 Guyanese artists, spans photography, painting, sculpture, installation, video, textile and mixed media, all exploring the Latin American country's unique culture, migration and diaspora. 

The CCCADI says the exhibit examines what "drives one from their homeland, as well as what keeps one psychically tethered to it." 

The exhibition, open until November 30, is being guest-curated by Grace Aneiza Ali, from the Department of Art and Public Policy at New York University. 

"More Guyanese need to come out and view, support and buy the work of Guyanese artists," Ali said of the event, proceeds from which will go to help Puerto Rican victims of the recent hurricane. "It is a sad thing that not many people know of this artistic production of Guyanese."

Victor Davson, a Guyanese painter living in New Jersey and one of the artists contributing to "Liminal Space," said the images in his painting reflect the "Hindu cultural expression" that he grew up with and show "my generation that were Indian, in a very special way."

"The Jhandi ritual and the Jhandi flags are mine, too. I don't have to be Indian. I have lived in that space: that's what makes me not African-American, that's what makes me Guyanese."

Karen Wharton, president of the Queen's College of Guyana Alumni Association of New York (QCAANY), said: "I love the space and the work from Guyanese artists and first-generation Guyanese artists that speaks about migration."

Artists Kwesi Abbensetts, Damali Abrams, Khadija Benn, Victor Davson, Stanley Greaves, Carl Hazlewood, Dominique Hunter, Michael Lam, Donald Locke, Andrew Lyght, Suchitra Mattai, Christie Neptune, Mason Richards, Karran Sahadeo, Keisha Scarville, Arlington Weithers all contributed to the exhibit.