I For An I show aims to open up a dialogue about gangs

A new exhibition about gang culture aims to create a dialogue about the gang culture and Bermuda.

Launched by Calix Smith, Davika Hill and Dany Pen opens at Bermuda College on May 21 for one night only. The opening reception is from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

The participating artists are: Manual Palacio (painting); Calix Smith (installation); Dany Pen (mixedmedium); Alan C. Smith (digital media); Davika Hill (essay); Akil Simmons (photography); Edwin Smith (painting); Richard Gibbons (music soundtrack produced at Platinum Studios); Gracie Edwards (painting); Marquedelle Rodriquez (poetry); SandysSecondary Middle School Students (installation).

We spoke with Calix Smith and Davika Hill about the upcoming show.

How did the exhibition come about?

CS: Dany had a conversation after one of our exhibitions and it turned into the idea. It took two years because we were looking for space to exhibit out of based on the fact that the island can be very conservative. Some questioned whether we were glorifying gang culture. It took us a lot of time to find a non-traditionalspace that allows us to have that kind of commentary. We have to talk about this and allow artists to make commentary on what is going on.

We are trying to come at it from a neutral perspective. There is a history to it – it is not like these guys sprung up out of the ground like weeds. We look at it from more than one angle – so many are involved in this life whether you are caught up directly or indirectly.

Describe some of the pieces in the show.

CS: We have different age ranges contributing to the show. I collaborated with Sandy’s Middle School students on a show called Secret Garden and there will be work from that show. Some of these kids are around gangs — they know somebody who knows somebody or there is a family member involved... They reflected it really well. One talked about this father coming out of jail and becoming a productive member of society. It is not all negative.

We also have teenage artists and we have established artists like Alan Smith.

In my piece I am making a commentary on sexuality. We tend to forget the objectification of women that comes with the mindset. The mentality of young brothers caught up in violence.

We have reports of young women caught up in gang culture, they might be helping their men in their criminal endeavors or supporting them.

DH: I have done a short essay and a typography piece. The essay talks about responsibility — you hear a lot of people pointing fingers — ‘oh it’s because of bad parenting’ etc but it is all of these things that come together to contribute to this issue. Instead of pointing fingers let’s all take responsibility for it. That is the key thing — unity. My essay is all about that.

My installation piecetouches on different issues that affect the reason why there is this gang mentality. It is like a spider web made out of kite strings and each of theissues connect to each other to create the central issue. It affects all of us and whether you like it or not it needs to be talked about. We don’t just need to come up with solutions we need to go further and implement those solutions.

Do you hope people exposed to and involved in gangs will turn up to the show?

I do hope so but if they do please come for the right reasons. Don’t bring negativity here it is a space for love peace and understanding. If you want to see how your actions affect people or get in touch with people who might be able to offer a solution based on the type of crowd we do attract. This could be a catalyst for your way out.