🎨 Cayman Islands art pioneer Bendel Hydes passes away

The Cayman Islands art community is mourning the loss of Bendel Hydes, the founding father of contemporary art in the region. Hydes, who split his time between the Cayman Islands and New York City, passed away at the age of 72. His innovative approach to art is credited with laying the groundwork for the development of the local professional art sector, transforming it into a vibrant and diverse cultural community. 🎨

Hydes' artistic journey spanned half a century and saw him experiment with various styles, from traditional depictions of Caymanian homes to Surrealism, Expressionism, and his unique 'luminescent abstraction'. His work, which sought to distil personal and collective experiences into essential elements of light and colour, has been internationally acclaimed. Hydes also played a significant role in shaping the islands' cultural infrastructure, co-founding The Inn Theatre, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, and the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. 🖌️

Throughout his career, Hydes exhibited and taught locally, inspiring the next generation of Caymanian artists. His work is featured in several public collections, private homes, and the permanent collection of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. In 2019, the gallery's Cayman Islands Biennial award was named in his honour. Despite his passing, Hydes' legacy will continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike. 🖼️