Walking through the National Gallery of Cayman Islands, visitors are transported into the creative universe of designer and artist Jawara Alleyne. His unique approach to fashion blends ripped pages from sketchbooks, fabric trims, and polaroids from his archive with reimagined garments delicately held together by safety pins. These pieces reflect the vibrancy of the Caribbean islands and Alleyne’s own island upbringing, showcasing a transformative and informative life of their own.
Alleyne’s work has caught the eye of celebrities like Rihanna, who has championed his designs and declared him her favorite new designer. His solo exhibition, Island Underground, serves as a retrospective and celebration of Cayman creativity, delving into the culture and history of the islands. Alleyne explains that he had to reject his Caribbean roots to ultimately embrace them, leading to a deeper understanding of the experiences he brings to his work.
Island Underground is a cultural declaration split across three distinct spaces showcasing Alleyne’s recent collections. The exhibition pays homage to Cayman’s artistic talent, drawing parallels between Alleyne’s work and that of local artists like Bendel Hydes and the Native Sons collective. Alleyne emphasizes the importance of a two-way dialogue with his culture, giving back as much as he takes from it.
Despite only showcasing his work since 2020, Alleyne has always been confident in his future in fashion design. The lack of creative funding and support for young people in the Cayman Islands is a challenge that Alleyne, alongside the National Gallery and the ministry of tourism, is working to address. The gallery has been supporting Alleyne since his student days, and Island Underground will be open to local schools for workshops and screenings.
The exhibition culminates in a room featuring Hydes’ paintings alongside Alleyne’s fabric collages, symbolizing a blend of past and present with Alleyne’s unique twist. As Alleyne looks to the future of his career, he is focused on taking risks and exploring new ways of presenting his collections. Jawara Alleyne: Island Underground will be on display at the National Gallery of Cayman Islands until February 7, 2025, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant and dynamic world of Alleyne’s creativity.
