📍Martinique
Installation in progress of work by David Gumbs. Photography by JB Barret – Feu et de pluie, Fondation Clément, 2021.
David Gumbs is an award winning interdisciplinary artist from the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin, currently based in Martinique. His recent projects include BAC Sonic Clinic at Mocada NY and JustLX art fair in Lisbon in 2022. David Gumbs is undoubtedly one of the most prolific and compelling artists in the world of Digital Art right now. His works, often referencing the histories and landscapes of the Caribbean, call upon us to remember the universal interconnectedness of all things: seen and unseen.
Gumbs’ tropical-inspired digital installations celebrate Life in its multitudes and its munificence. David Gumbs is an architect of joyful, vibrant and luminous parallel worlds. As one enters these worlds, he carries us on a journey to discover or rediscover the Land, sentient beings, magical constellations of colour, form and texture are all there…breathing, floating, communicating, flourishing, ever evolving and inviting us to stay a little longer…
Frist Art Museum (davidgumbs.com)
This month, David Gumbs spoke to Adeline Gregoire, Lead Curator at HOT SUN Caribbean Contemporary Art, reflecting on his work as a Digital-multimedia Artist from the Caribbean amidst the pandemic times of 2021/2022: the big wins, the challenges and most of all the importance of focussing on the quality of one’s work, in a consistent way.
HSCCA: The past year was undoubtedly full of amazing moments for you. From the Art Kiosk x Lance Fung in the USA, then The Atrium Tropiques, Brooklyn Arts Council, with your most recent Solo show at Mocada…There’s definitely a rigorous approach to outreach and establishing a global presence. We know it can be daunting to approach institutions, people you don’t know… So what’s la formule magique?
DG: When I look at my IG number of followers I don’t get this impression of my work having global presence. But I have to admit the exhibitions in the US from last year and ongoing are great opportunities to connect with a new audience. Those projects were made possible thanks to introductions made by Ms Rosie Gordon (DVCAI) that introduced me to Lance Fung for the Illuminate Coral Gables Outdoor exhibition. The show at Frist Art Museum, (showcasing my interactive installations Inner Garden and Tropical Bliss) was made possible thanks to the selection of Blossoms at the CurrentsNew Media Festival 2019 in Santa Fe and my first Solo Show at the Telfair Museum the previous year.
I will say that these two past years brought greater awareness of the diverse possibilities of dematerialized New media Art online, which probably increased visibility of my work.
I have to thank Dr Daniela Fifi for approaching me for the BAC Sonic Clinic Wellness project that allowed me to discover great musicians and performers living in Brooklyn, and to show an aspect of my skill set that most folks don’t know of.
Honestly, I don’t know if there’s a “Formule Magique” because it is a real challenge to sustain my career as a full time artist… but I’m giving thanks for having overcome the numerous difficulties and tight deadlines to deliver these shows. I guess an online presence on platforms like Hot Sun CCA have aided significantly to be seen, or reminded regional and International Curators of the existence of the work. My advice will be to do quality work, instead of focusing on showing the work (in exhibition space) that sometimes lacks depth.
HSCCA: Is there a personal narrative or connection to the themes you are pursuing right now?
DG: Yes, the narrative speculates around the tropical flora and fauna and to our human connections to all things.This approach will be visible in my Ethno Spirits project selected by Mondes Nouveaux, Ministry of Culture at the end of this year (Paris), and a reminder of the impact of Natural disasters like Hurricanes, rising sea-levels, present in installations like waves which I created in 2021. Perhaps more introspective pieces will see the day in the near future. Aielushi Premiere, Brooklyn Arts Council (2022) Courtesy the Artist, David Gumbs
Aeilushi Mistry
HSCCA: What about NFTs ? Are you already there and/ or do you wish to be (or not) ?
DG: NFTs are a work in progress… BUT big things are coming.
HSCCA: What sustains you and brings you joy David ?
DG: To be honest, not much these days. Creating my type of digital art in the Caribbean is a long solitary road with very few opportunities. I’m lucky enough to create my own projects and apply to monthly open calls abroad. However, I love researching and experimenting in my studio, away from all the daily drama. It eases the social anxiety which was amplified with covid-19.
HSCCA: In your opinion what does an Artmaker need to continue working within/ from the Caribbean space ?
DG: In my case, yearly sustainable commissioned works from collectors, Institutions, and digital festivals with a yearly program. More inclusivity and a larger awareness of digital art, and digital art practices in the contemporary art spectrum.