Student Artists Emerge at UVI Show

M.A. Dworkin

Past and present students of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) presented a wide-ranging display of budding artistic talent at the second annual UVI Student Art Exhibition held recently on the St. Croix Albert A. Sheen Campus.

The show was hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences’ (CLASS) Communications and Performing Arts Department. It was organized by well-known contemporary artist, Danica M. David, Professor at UVI and teacher of Art at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School (Complex), Ms David is also the proprietor of the Danica Art Studio in Christiansted. 

“They do such a phenomenal job,” Ms. David told the St. Croix Times who covered the event. “I’m just so proud of all of them.”

“This exhibition is more than just a showcase of student work - it’s a celebration of growth, expression, and the power of creativity,” stated Dean of CLASS, Dr. Kimarie Engerman. “Each piece tells a story of exploration and transformation. We’re proud to provide a space where students can develop their artistic voice and share it with the community. The passion and progress on display reflect the heart of what we do at UVI.”

There is indeed an abundance of new-born talent and original creative thought that jumps out at you when you enter the exhibit.

Jessica Mirand’s portrait of a mature woman startles you with its look of seriousness. Her knowing face, her piercing eyes, tell you this is a woman who has seen the best and worst of life. A woman who is determined to carry on, and carry whatever burdens she must endure on her strong, broad shoulders, 

Adriana Davis’ flood of wild flowery watercolors is so overwhelming with its magnificent display of brilliant pastels that it is impossible to view it and not be immediately uplifted to a happy state of being.

Bevey Hill’s island pastoral, with its bright rolling greens and its orange and yellow sky, its tall palm trees surrounding two thatched roof homes, is in perfect balance with a homespun island scene that calls one and all to a life of natural beauty and ease. 

Brianna Swantson’s wild and crazy image of cut hunks of watermelon on a beach, topped off by a slice-view of a melon that acts as an aquarium for a sea turtle, is beyond any scope of one’s imagination. It rings of sheer artistic genius in its conception and execution. It is a work that could only be conjured up during some wild daydream you might be having when you fall asleep at the beach. 

Demore Cole’s take on Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, reimagines the great Impressionists universe as one that may not mimic a civilization that is calm and well underway, as much as it does present a fiery world that is just being formed or in the process of being destroyed. Its violent reds swirling around amidst explosive stars gives us a peak at how things might have been at the beginning or the end of time.

Jahmol Benjamin’s serious study of an island girl, staring intensely down across a beach and sky landscape, against a colorful background of sky blues, and pinkish sand, no doubt makes us wonder what is tripping around in her mind. What is she thinking? What is she staring at? Is it all good? Or all bad?

And of course, Yazmeen Turner’s stunning, color-splashed, portrait of a woman, the poster for the Exhibition, spells out the remarkable vision and insight this artist has into the human spirit. Little escapes her wonderful artistic eye. Her portrait is bold and provocative, capturing her subject in a snapshot that is quite unforgettable. There is a powerful smack of truth that she unearths in this work and the viewer is no less stunned by it.

The interactive show which brought together many of the students on closed circuit could have been easily presented at any professional gallery on the island. 

“There is a great deal of talent here,” said ex-Congresswoman Donna Christensen. representing the UVI Board of Trustees. “I am happy I was able to stop by and I’m glad your publication was able to share it with us,” she told the St. Croix Times.

The featured courses at UVI are guided by esteemed faculty members Danica M. David, Shira Sofer, and Susan Edwards, who provide students with the tools and encouragement to explore their creative potential.

“I feel I have grown as an artist thanks to the professor’s teachings and critiques. With each painting, I could see clear improvement, and I became more confident in my technique,” said Yasmin Turner. “I’m excited to carry this knowledge with me into future projects.”       

UVI is a student-centered institution devoted to excellence, innovation, research and making an impact in the U.S. Virgin Islands and globally. For more information on programs and classes contact UVI at 340-778-1620