On this week’s “Blank Canvas,” we meet Ryan Turnquest, a man drawn back to his art practise to mourn and memorialise the passing of his brother. After obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Art from the College of The Bahamas, Turnquest entered Savannah College of Art and Design in 2007 where he studied Industrial Design but left his studies early to return home to support his children and family in their business.
9 years later—having remained fairly disconnected from his artistic roots in following other careers—Ryan was dramatically brought back to an intense need to paint after the tragic loss of his younger brother, Chris Turnquest, in a boating incident in Nassau Harbour on October 1, 2016. This tragedy hurtled the Turnquest family into a painful roller coaster ride which continues to affect them all as it remains unresolved.
At Doongalik Studios on Village Road on Friday, February 3rd, he will unveil, “A Whole New World: Journey to Neverland,” a display of new works, inspired by his brother’s life and the questions raised by his death. All proceeds from the sale of his paintings will go to support the Young Marine Explorers group. Currently, Ryan is making plans to complete his final year and graduate from the programme at SCAD.
The exhibition will be on display until Friday, February 24. Gallery hours are Monday to Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm, or by appointment. Further information can be obtained by contacting the gallery at 394-1886 or email [email protected].
Blank Canvas airs on Wednesday at 6:30 on Guardian Talk Radio. Be sure to tune in!
