“Experience the Evolution of Art: The Color of Light”

Cane Roots Art Gallery in downtown Christiansted will be featuring the “Color of Light” exhibit on Art Thursday, from : pm to : pm. On display will be works from El’ Roy Simmonds and Niarus Walker – two generations of Crucian artists who share a common love for the same field of expression. This “unconscious effort” culminated in an exhibition that highlights each artist’s unique approach to the expression of light and shadow, which will remain open to the public from Tuesdays to Saturdays, pm to pm, until May .

Born and raised in Christiansted, David Simmonds pursued his educational ambitions by earning a BA degree from the College of the Virgin Islands (now the University of the Virgin Islands). Subsequently, he served as an exchange student at the ***** Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he conducted research on the history of the relationship between Denmark and the US Virgin Islands — research which is reflected in his later work. In , Mr. Simmonds earned a Masters in Fine Art from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and harnessed the skills acquired there towards drawing, painting and sculpting with live models. After returning home, he engaged in teaching for several years.

In , Simmonds retired to much acclaim and recognition for his achievements in diverse fields such as fine art, teaching, music, entrepreneurship, and sculpture. He has earned the title of ‘culture bearer’ due to his numerous international exhibits in the US Virgin Islands, Denmark, New York, Haiti, and other places. Last year, he explored the color, shape, and line present in Frederiksted Fort’s architecture for his exhibit, “If Walls Could Talk”. He questioned “what happened here” through this collection. When considering the events that transpired within these walls during slavery, Simmonds noted it to be a surreal experience.

One can only speculate on the past of the Danish Empire; however, if those walls could speak, perhaps we would be able to gain a better understanding. As demonstrated in his works, “The Color of Light” and “Miss VI America,” artist Nigel Simmonds has produced artwork with both generational and intrinsic worth. As Simmonds himself remarks, “‘Miss VI America’ wears the clothing of the older generation. She is a proud senior citizen going out for the day dressed in her finest hat, creating a stark contrast to the attire of today’s youth represented in Walker’s painting.” His artistry – whether figurative or still-life – seeks to explore the beauty of the world and impart a sense of its infinite value.

Walker elucidated that the concept of “generational memory” involves recording and passing down emotions, be it fear, pain, or joy, which shape an individual’s identity and further influence their family. In her paintings of students, she noted that they are building a sense of self and identity and observed beauty in the moment. Furthermore, Walker stated that she and Simmonds rely on the ‘old school’ aesthetic of light and shadow in their artistry. She defined herself as a visual artist and art educator.

Walker, hailing from Dominica, WI and having migrated to St.Croix as a youngster, is not new to the field of art. A distinguished recipient of a BFA from Moore College and an MS in Art Education from Florida State University, she has served as an art educator on St.Croix at the middle and high school levels for the past years. Her works have been exhibited both nationally and internationally, gracing galleries across the United States and Denmark. Regarding her exhibition alongside renowned draughtsman El’ Roy, Walker expressed her honor saying, “I am beyond honored to exhibit with an artist like El’ Roy.

Learninng Outcome

In conclusion, Walker’s concept of generational memory is one of the main pillars of her artistic expression. Through this understanding of memory, she has crafted a unique style and process for telling stories and capturing fleeting moments. Her artistry sees beauty in the ordinary and highlights the importance of identity and self-expression. Walker’s art encourages viewers to reflect not only on their emotions and experiences, but also on how they will carry these through generations of their families.