The Silverfish

The Silverfish is a sculptural installation that reflects on the history and current state of straw plaiting in The Bahamas—a tradition rooted in skill, resourcefulness, and cultural identity. Once a thriving craft economy, the straw industry now faces significant challenges, including rising material costs, environmental strain, and the undervaluing of artisans’ labour. As cheaper, mass-produced goods increasingly replace locally made work, the tradition risks eroding from within.

In the installation, three large straw forms take the shape of silverfish—small insects known to feed on natural fibres, including straw. By enlarging and embodying this creature, Cin points to how the industry is being quietly consumed: not only by pests, but by a cycle of cultural demand without fair compensation. The plait used in the sculptures was sourced directly from Bahamian plaiters Judy and Sheila Pinder, and the work incorporates a range of traditional techniques such as “Peas and Rice,” “Bahama Mama,” “Spider Plait,” and “Jacob’s Ladder.” Through this careful, material-led process, The Silverfish honours a fragile tradition while calling for its proper respect and support.

About the artist
Cin (b. 1994) is a Bahamian contemporary artist who works primarily in installations, ornamental and figurative painting. Her work is based in conceptual art with autobiographical and sociological narratives. Her art explores themes of repetition, resilience, growth, and cultural identity, drawing inspiration from romanticism, art deco, and the diverse aesthetics she encountered during her international career as a professional athlete. Raised in Nassau, Cin began her formal studies at Roger Williams University’s Visual Arts programme, immersing herself in traditional and contemporary art practices. Her work has been exhibited at the Central Bank of The Bahamas and The D’Aguilar Art Foundation.