2001Press

Bahamian artist Marlon C. Hunt and his throbbingly Caribbean work attracted international attention during his first one-man show, 'Thoughts, Spirits, & Reflections,' Sept. 21-22 at Atlantis Grand Ballroom in the Convention Center, Paradise Island…The Cultural Director for Santa Domingo’s Centro Cultura Cariforo, Marianne de Tolentino, in Nassau for a meeting of CARICOM Cultural Ministers, gracefully commandeered the microphone from Artist Stan Burnside who officially opened the show.

She said, "This first show is very mature, very well done. The quality of the work is exquisite, a mixture of joy, love and sadness. His work is very dramatic. You have to look at least twice. First you see the color and the aesthetic features; then (you see) the profound contents and reflect about the spiritual condition."

An expert on Caribbean Art, author of many books on the subject, Ms. De Tolentino said, “For a long time I have dreamed of discovering a divine artist. Nothing is nicer for an art critic than to arrive in a new country, not to criticize but to analyze and stimulate a true talent…the work of Marlon Hunt is Caribbean…because of the life and color in his paintings. It is Caribbean…because you see the human condition reflected in his work and it is Caribbean because of the faith.”

She continued, "Walking in, I didn’t know it was his first show. An artist’s first show is very, very important. Like the first steps of a child. I didn’t know I would discover a new talent tonight in this very beautiful exhibition."

On Saturday, Gavin Fosker, an auctioneer for Park West Galleries, the mighty on-line auction house, walked in and was so impressed he invited the artist to submit his portfolio for consideration as part of the Park West Collection. “We’re told that reaching this status would take about 10 years, so we are very encouraged,” said Mrs. Hunt.

Stan Burnside, Marlon’s unsuspecting mentor, said “When I first saw Marlon’s work when he was at College of the Bahamas (COB) studying architecture, I was amazed at the talent…and impressed. But, I felt he would be another great artist lost in another profession. He entered the Central Bank competition and WON. But, I thought he would probably do something else with his life…Then, when Marlon came back to Nassau and invited me to come see his work, I agreed, curious to ‘see what the engineer is presenting.’ I was literally blown away. Although this is his first exhibition, it has everything needed: talent, heart, hard work and certainly he has ‘The Muse’, in his lovely wife, Rachel.”

Mr. Burnside, former Coordinator of Art at COB, continued, “This great artist is not suffering. Not striking out. Not from a bad childhood. In fact, he is from a perfect family (Mr. And Mrs. Charles Hunt), raised beautifully, yet his work is full of tragic stories. ‘Journey of Faith’ has two Africans in a boat, Africans or Haitians, a powerful statement of tragedy. Marlon manages to make it beautiful. He cares about dignity. His work is breathtaking…I congratulate one of the country’s future greatest artists, Marlon Hunt.”

More than a hundred invited guests attended the stylish opening, complete with artistic hors d’oeuvres and Henry Francis, live with steel drums. During the opening, five of the 20 big paintings offered actually sold, to major collectors such as “Soul on Fire” to Mr. and Mrs. Vincent D’Aguilar, “She Labors” to Mr. and Mrs. David Kelly, and “Sunflower Dreamer” to Mees Pierson. Paintings ranged in size from 27in. x 21in. to 48in. x 36 in. On Tuesday Dawn Davies bought not one but two Marlon Hunts: “Mankind vs. Womankind” and “Womanhood Redemption.” Stan Burnside said on Monday, “Given the global state at the moment, Marlon Hunt’s show was a phenomenal success. Getting a hundred people out right now is very difficult and I understand there were sales as well.” …reflecting on his initial success, “I am very grateful to my wife, and my family and my employer, teachers and patrons. And, now I really have to find time to do a lot more painting! It is all very exciting.”

Marlon Hunt won the Central Bank competition in 1992, after five years of persistence and dedicated work. He says his works’ strong Caribbean element is tied to his having roots, directly or indirectly with other Caribbean nations, an added benefit for his personal creativity. Over the years he worked in various mediums but finds he is most at peace with traditional oil paint on canvas.

“Refining my style was not an easy process. I had to release the stereotypical ideas I once had of what art looked like and how it should be represented. True artistic freedom comes when we are able to release ideas and concepts which intrinsically represent our true nature, who we are, how we think, the elements of our spirit,” he says.

“In the process, he also liberates the viewer from cultural stereotypes. He investigates themes of humanity, personality, and the human spirit. His work takes you to a world transformed by bold, bright colors and textures which highlight moods and expressions of his subjects,” Rachel suggests.

Each work tells a “unique story of the dynamics of human life, spiritual and cultural relationship.” Mr. Hunt hopes, “Viewers will be challenged to examine their own inner spirits as each painting draws its viewer to a place of reflection.”

With very little to no formal training in painting, Marlon attributes his achievements to “passion and dedication to something I love.” He believes that “When opportunity meets preparation, success is the end result.”

While proud of his accomplishments, he realizes he could not pursue his passion without the encouragement and support of his wife, Rachel, family and close friends. He pays special tribute to Bahamian artists Stan Burnside, Joann Behagg and Sonia Powell “who have in countless ways influenced and challenged my artistic pursuits, most times without even being aware.”

He says of his work, “Most of my paintings hold themes of thoughts, human spirit and personal reflection. Relationships intrigue me in all areas, whether human, spiritual or cultural. Therefore my paintings, for the most part, have mirrored my perspective. This exhibition is the unfolding of a very personal and somewhat private journey for me. I can now say, the season for exposure has arrived.”