The art world is abuzz with the latest developments from TERN Gallery, a leading platform for Caribbean and diasporic artists. At EXPO Chicago 2025, the Bahamian gallery is presenting an exciting exhibit that brings together two talented artists, John Reno Jackson and Steven Schmid, in a conversation that delves into the complexities of indigenous cultures and masculinity.
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John Reno Jackson: Exploring Indigenous Caymanian Culture
John Reno Jackson, a Caymanian interdisciplinary artist, is taking the art world by storm with his vibrant and thought-provoking works. As an MFA candidate at the Royal Academy of Art, London, Jackson is pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms to explore the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, Cayman Islands. His non-representational abstract paintings reference tools like the silver thatch broom, basket weaving techniques, and the combination of organic and man-made materials to create unique dimensions.
- Through his paintings, Jackson deconstructs the tourist narrative of the Caribbean islands and unearths indigenous technologies and relationships between the locals and the land.
- His works are steeped in western art history, but he is redefining the notion of abstraction in the context of the Cayman Islands.
- The use of materials like silver thatch, polypropylene wax, and crylcem adds an extra layer of meaning to his paintings, evoking the textures and landscapes of the islands.
Steven Schmid: Exploring Masculinity in The Bahamas
Steven Schmid, a Bahamian interdisciplinary visual artist, is using his practice to challenge traditional notions of masculinity. His current area of research explores how “play, free-styling and immediacy can become evocative and engaging methods of critiquing colonial notions of masculinity.” Schmid’s practice manifests into densely visual textured digital drawings, hand-transferred onto handmade paper.
- His use of old receipts, letters, plane tickets, and debris as pulp for the paper adds a personal and intimate touch to his work.
- The incorporation of photographs, drawings, images of his own sculptures, and other materials creates a rich and complex visual language.
- Schmid’s reverence for hip-hop is evident in his use of sampling sensibilities to create his grotesque and alluring compositions.
A Conversation Between Two Artists
Together, Jackson and Schmid approach abstraction from two disparate places but meet at the intersection of deconstruction and reconstruction. Their works share a common thread – the exploration of source materials that are either found in the landscape or through their personal histories. The source material for both artists is the key to understanding their unique perspectives and approaches to art.
| Artist | Source Material | Approach to Abstraction |
|---|---|---|
| John Reno Jackson | Caymanian indigenous culture, flora, fauna, and landscapes | Deconstruction and reconstruction of indigenous technologies and relationships between locals and the land |
| Steven Schmid | Personal history, masculinity, and colonialism | Deconstruction and reconstruction of the figure and materials, using play, free-styling, and immediacy to critique colonial notions of masculinity |
A New Chapter in TERN Gallery’s Mission
TERN Gallery’s mission to support and celebrate artists from the Caribbean and its diaspora is evident in their latest exhibit. The gallery’s commitment to showcasing the dynamic practices of Caymanian artist John Reno Jackson and Bahamian artist Steven Schmid is a testament to their dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the art world.
- The exhibit features artist’s dossiers and CVs in the Viewing Room, providing a comprehensive look at the artists’ backgrounds and works.
- The partnership between TERN Gallery and EXPO Chicago 2025 marks a new chapter in the gallery’s mission to bring Caribbean and diasporic artists to the global art market.
- The collaboration between Jackson and Schmid is a powerful reminder of the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the art world.
As you explore the exhibit, you’ll discover the vibrant works of John Reno Jackson and Steven Schmid, each with its own unique story to tell.