Celebrating Heritage and Nature: Francilla Schofield Agar's "I Am Kalinago" Exhibition at Fort Young Hotel
The artwork of Francilla Schofield Agar, displayed at the Fort Young Hotel's Old Oven Art Gallery in Roseau, Dominica, is celebrated for capturing the essence of her Kalinago heritage and the natural landscapes of Dominica. The solo exhibition titled "I Am Kalinago" reflects her deep connection to her heritage and her island, embodying themes of identity, pride, and the cultural legacy of the Kalinago people. The pieces invite viewers to explore the rich traditions of Dominica's Indigenous community, bringing to life the land and sea that hold significant meaning for her people.
The Fort Young Hotel's Old Oven Art Gallery, located on the waterfront in Dominica's capital, Roseau, is a cultural hub that celebrates the island's rich heritage. As part of the Caribbean's first All-Inclusive, Island-Inclusive resort, the gallery offers locals and visitors an intimate experience of Dominica's art and history. Known for supporting Dominican artists, the gallery curates exhibitions that capture the spirit and beauty of the island, particularly during national celebrations like Independence.
The paintings featured in the gallery demonstrate Agar's appreciation for Dominica's landscapes. She uses vibrant colours and dynamic brushstrokes to convey serenity and intensity in her scenes. In one image, Agar illustrates a coastline with lush, rugged cliffs, vivid in shades of green and red, meeting the turbulent, swirling sea under a moody sky. This piece captures Dominica's dramatic, natural beauty, emphasising the island's untamed spirit.
In another work, she portrays Annette Sanford, the recently elected and first female chief of the Kalinago people, holding a spear adorned with traditional jewellery. This portrait offers quiet strength and pride, showcasing Sanford as a guardian and a symbol of cultural resilience. Agar's portrayal honours Sanford as a leader and cultural icon, underscoring the pride and resilience of the Kalinago people. The portrait embodies a sense of dignity and tradition, reinforcing her connection to her heritage.
Agar's seascape features a figure standing at the shore as swirling skies blend with the rolling waves. It has a surreal quality that merges the person with the natural surroundings, perhaps symbolising the harmony between the Kalinago people and their environment. In another image, a depiction of Dominica's Sari Sari Falls, Agar captures the grandeur of the island's waterfalls, where her use of vibrant blues, greens, and purples makes the scene feel alive and immersive, celebrating the island's abundant natural beauty.
Through "I Am Kalinago," Agar seems to aim to highlight the beauty of Dominica and express the strength and identity of the Kalinago people. Her pieces reveal her skilful use of colour and texture to evoke a strong sense of place and cultural pride. This exhibition is a personal exploration and an invitation to others to appreciate and honour the traditions of the island's first inhabitants.