81C presents an art exhibition pop-up for St. Croix photographer Sycroix (Sharimar Cruz), in community partnership with Viya, on view through July 1. The pop-up features fine art photography, following the success of Cruz’s full-scale 2023-2024 show in 81C’s main gallery, entitled “From Here,” sponsored in part by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) via the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Artist Statement:
“In every frame, I seek the heartbeat of home, the pulse of the present and the whispers of a journey. Drawing inspiration from the healing embrace of St. Croix, my work serves as a visual poem, a mirror reflecting the essence of existence, normalcy, love and peace. It’s a reminder that to be lost is merely a state of mind, and true freedom lies in embracing the moment. As I unravel my art, I want to evoke a sense of recognition, a feeling of being seen, understood and heard. In the embrace of St. Croix, I remember who I am, feeling the island’s soulful touch, guiding me, filling me with passion and centering my spirit.” – Sycroix (Sharimar Cruz)
Artist Bio:
Sharimar Y. Cruz is a photographer born and raised on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She also goes by her brand name Sycroix. She received her BFA in photography from Point Park University and MPS in Fashion Photography from the School of Visual Arts. Sharimar’s work is influenced by her culturally rich upbringing and environment. Her work operates as a visual study of themes centered on cultural identity, geography, anatomy and form.
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Meanwhile, Jared Shomo’s exhibition, “Element,” a collection of infrared photography, is on view in the 81C Main Gallery through June 14.
Show Description:
“Jared Shomo’s “Element” is a collection of surreal infrared photography offering viewers a dreamlike take on the U.S. Virgin Islands. A nearly futuristic force is at work within these images, which span sea, land and society. Trees become silver and blue explosions. The ocean appears nearly black until its transformation to gold at shore. Dancers have taken to the streets in celebration beneath a sunburnt, smoke-filled sky. Element is a vision, a reflection and a portal. This exhibition is Jared Shomo’s second full-scale show at 81C in Charlotte Amalie.” -The curators, 81C, April 2023
Artist Statement:
“I want this collection, “Element,” to serve as a meditation in simplicity — an escape from the rapid pace, accumulation and compound interest, a visitation not only to the natural elements but also a spark to the core element of spirit unseen. This is a visual journey to explore expressions of nature that are beyond the limits of our human perception. Infrared photography reveals a spectrum of light that exists just outside the range of human sight. It opens up a world that is foreign and intriguing, yet peaceful and surreal.” – Jared Shomo, April 2023, Charlotte Amalie
Artist Bio:
Jared Shomo (b. 1979) is a multi-disciplinary artist, living on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Art has always been a way of life for me. Both of my parents were self-taught, stained glass artists, and I started learning that craft from a very young age. I have also always had a fascination with cameras from my earliest memory, but I started taking photography and videography seriously around 2005. I began experimenting with infrared photography around 2013.” His artistic style is mostly inspired by nature and landscapes, while sometimes venturing into abstract and minimalist photography.
About:
81C’s main location is open weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free. The space operates a Coffee + Wine Bar and hosts private and public events. 81C Arts, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization facilitates all art programs, including 81C Studio on Main Street, a sister location housing an art studio for workshops, classes and artist studio space.
For all things 81C, visit www.81CVI.COM or https://linktr.ee/81cvi for more information, or visit their Instagram or Facebook: @81CVI. Phone number 340-203-4030 / email info@81cvi.com
