A talented trio showcases for Independence weekend

Three local Bahamian artists have joined forces to present a special art exhibition just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence. Entitled “Art 3”, the exhibit officially opens this Sunday at 4pm at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery at #20 Village Road, and will be on display until July 15.

The three participating artists are acrylic drip artist Abrian Rankine, abstract artist Astrid Adjuah and acrylic artist Kendyce LaShann, who also specialises in the abstract.

They discussed their background and inspiration for the exhibition.

and illustrate my vision of Bahamian abstract expressions and scenery,” he said.

For more than 20 years, Abrian has served as a member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

“Being a member of RBDF has awarded me opportunities to travel throughout the Bahamas and abroad, which has encouraged me to express my artistic abilities through visual arts,” he said. Using an unconventional technique known as acrylic drip art, he has found a unique way of expressing herself as she depicts Bahamian scenery, local emotions and customs. His first exhibition was at John Watling’s Distillery in 2014. Since then, he has participated in several exhibitions and artistic events, such as the annual Green Earth Festival at the Bahamas National Trust.

“I hope to set the stage of creativity for future Bahamian artists,” he said.

Astrid works mainly with acrylics on glass, fabric and paper, and has sold many of her pieces at various arts and craft shows as well as in souvenir stores around the Bahamas.

She has a particular passion for flowers and therefore a great love for form and colour.

Astrid holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Soil Science from Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama), having first studied at the College of the Bahamas where she earned an AA degree in Biology with a concentration in Agriculture. She is a graduate of St John’s College High School.

Abrian Rankine

Growing up in Eleuthera, he discovered he had the ability to capture his island surroundings in two-dimensional imagery.

“I come from a sound background of artists and have been inspired by a number of Bahamian and international artists growing up, such as my granduncle Steve Burrows, Eddie Minnis, and Jackson Pollock. I’m inspired to stand out from the rest

Astrid Adjuah

A mother of two sons, this self-taught abstract artist has been painting and crafting for over 30 years.

She is a trained project manager and also a certified aesthetician and make-up artist.

Kendyce LaShann

The artist behind the KLTF brand, Kendyce is a self-taught artist who works primarily in acrylic paint with a focus on abstract art. By day, she is the director of finance for a local non-profit organisation, and by night, she is a creator, artist and teacher.

Since childhood, art has always been a peaceful escape for Kendyce. However, her real creative journey didn’t start until 2012 with her candlemaking, which allowed her to combine her love of art with a therapeutic creation process.

Then, in 2016, Kendyce began drawing and exploring abstract art as a means of dealing with the stresses of everyday life. In late 2022, she came across neurographic art and has since fallen in love with the fluidity, the calmness, and the unlimited possibilities of this art form.

Throughout her entire artistic journey, Kendyce has been a firm believer that art should promote feelings of satisfaction, pleasure, accomplishment and motivation. She has participated in the BNT’s annual Wine & Art Festival in previous years, and hopes to participate in this year’s event.

Art 3 is her first official art exhibition.