Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater welcomed artists and guests at the opening of the latest exhibition: Creative Cross Currents.
This new exhibition, which runs until 5th June, brings together the work of 21st century visual artists, Jeremy Bear, Sunara Begum, and Dunstan Perera, with Julia’s 19th century photography. Julia Cameron’s rare images, made in Sri Lanka, are seen alongside paintings, prints, films, and an installation made specially for Dimbola by present-day artists.
Jeremy Bear is showing over 20 paintings revealing the vibrant, urban life and creative spirit of the people observed by him on the streets of 21st century Kolkata. These colourful works contrast and complement the other black and white and sepia items on show.
Sunara Begum is showing a series of drypoint and carborundum monoprints, inspired by visits to Kolkata and Sri Lanka, and her new film entitled ‘Water’, which was shot in India.
Dunstan Perera grew up in Sri Lanka and moved to London as a young man. There and in the USA, he pursued a long career as a stills photographer in the film industry. A work assignment took him back to Sri Lanka and inspired the series of monoprints in this exhibition.
Sadly, after planning this exhibition over several years, Brian Hinton MBE, Chairman of the Cameron Trust, was unable to attend due to Covid, and the official opening was undertaken by Julian Bell, President. Julian was pleased to announce that Dimbola had been given a £40,000+ grant by The Arts Council.
Griselda Bear and Colin Ford gave insights into Julia’s background and work, highlighting the Cameron family connections to Sri Lanka. Colin has written several books on the Cameron family and is a leading expert on the family’s history.
As part of the official opening, a documentary film by Island resident Jane Richter was shown, and several local groups have been involved in Creative Cross Currents outreach projects. These include Independent Arts, The New Carnival Company, and the Museums and Schools Programme, with pupils from Yarmouth Primary School undertaking drum making.
