Two Voices, One Caribbean: Closing Exhibition Brings CARIFESTA XV to a Resonant Finale

Distinguished Artists of the Caribbean Exhibition – Two Voices at the Grand Salle

As the curtain fell on CARIFESTA XV, the Grand Salle became a space of quiet reflection and bold expression. Distinguished Artists of the Caribbean – Two Voices, featuring the evocative ceramics of Barbadian artist Juliana Inniss and the thought-provoking collages of Guyanese creative Dominique Hunter.  The week-long exhibition offered a fitting finale – work from two women who have grappled with history, identity, and resilience through distinctly Caribbean lenses.

The Distinguished Artists of the Caribbean exhibition gave visitors the chance to examine the work of individual expression and consider how art can speak to life’s deeper challenges.

Inniss, who primarily sculpted by hand, but also occasionally uses simple handheld tools, expressed her interest in the historical role of Black Barbadian women in the economy through her work, which she views as a carrier or container of stories.

Hunter's art pieces were based on Surrealist principles, and this was evident from her use of female figures that challenged the male-dominated historical canon. Her early inspirations were the paintings of Maylene Duncan and Stanley Greaves.

Inniss’ art ranged from impressed rolled clay slabs, sgraffito clay bowls, and hand-built coiled earthenware clay pieces. These were taken from her own collection as well as private and public ones across Barbados. Each was very detailed and the craftsmanship evident.

And Hunter’s colleges used a mix of techniques and materials. Each painting featured female silhouettes in various positions and various shades of colours, and surrounding details. All the mixed media collages were courtesy of the artist between 2020 to 2025.

The exhibition was a strong finish to CARIFESTA XV. It captured the heart of what the event was all about, sharing Caribbean voices in meaningful, creative ways.

Written by:

Victoria Boyce

Youth Correspondent - CARIFESTA XV