For Cera-Tan Kennaird, cultural connections have a deep meaning in her work and life.

Cera-Tan Kennaird with her artwork ‘Introspection. Images: TANEOS RAMSAY

The mixed-media artist says it is from where she draws her inspiration.

“My main influence is my rich and diverse family culture – South African, Zimbabwean, Indian, and Scottish,” she says. “I’m deeply connected to my heritage, and that plays a huge role in my art.”

The people and places she encounters also play a prominent role.

“I’m influenced by where I am and where I’m going, always exploring different cultures and understanding what makes people tick,” she says. “It’s the stories behind the faces that fascinate me and inspire my work.”

‘Rooted in Diversity’, Cera-Tan Kennaird and Isy B. collaboration. Photo: Submitted

HOTEL INDIGO

‘Captain Crystal Godet, Cayman Airways Ltd., 2024’.

That’s evident in her recent artwork featured at Hotel Indigo.

The commissioned pieces on display at the property’s Catalina restaurant feature two pioneering female pilots for Cayman Airways.

“I absolutely loved this project,” she says. “I wanted to capture them in a way that showed their strength as pioneers for female pilots in Cayman, but also as ‘one of us’.

“The floral and tropical backgrounds in the artworks were chosen to represent the island’s vibrant spirit, as well as the softness and beauty of these remarkable women.”

INTRICATE DETAILS

‘First Officer Giselah Ebanks, Cayman Airways Ltd., 2024’.

Cera-Tan’s work aims to capture the energy and spirit of her subjects, using colours that pop and intricate details to draw in the viewer.

“I use a mix of scribbled ink pens on various backgrounds combined with bright acrylic paint, creating a style that many see as a blend of pop art and contemporary portraiture.”

A self-taught artist, Cera-Tan has been surrounded by creativity since her childhood.

“My mother is a phenomenal artist in South Africa, and I grew up watching her create,” she says. “My grandmother was also an artist, and my uncle is an incredible wildlife artist, so creativity really runs in the family.”

Cera-Tan Kennaird with her work ‘Resilience’.

Although she’s been an artist all her life, it wasn’t until she moved to the Cayman Islands in 2017 that she decided to make it a full-time pursuit – a departure from her previous career as a professional hair stylist and make-up artist.

“My career change happened here in Cayman, where I decided to fully embrace my passion for art,” she says. “It was here that I found the perfect blend of inspiration from my diverse cultural background and the vibrant island life.”

COLLABORATIVE WORKS

Cera-Tan has worked on several collaborative projects on-island, including a mural at Watler’s Community Park and working with fashion designer Isy Obi, founder of resort and lifestyle brand Isy B.

‘Turbulence’.

She met Isy for the first time during Cayman Art Week 2022.

“I was live painting when this striking woman walked in,” she recalls. “When I see someone I’d like to paint, I can’t help myself – I just have to approach them and get to know them a bit. “When I met Isy, it was an instant mutual connection, and within hours, we were already planning our future collaborations.”

It led to exhibiting at the 3rd Cayman Islands Biennial, a juried exhibition held every two years at the National Gallery. The show’s theme was ‘Conversations with the Past – in the Present Tense’.

“I knew immediately it was time to capture Isy and our connection to the African diaspora,” she says.

‘Introspection’.

Their collaborative work ‘Rooted in Diversity’ is a portrait of Isy against the backdrop of a fabric print design based on her folktale ‘Adara and the Cheetah’, part of Isy’s ‘Storyteller’ collection.

“We collaborated closely, working together on all the intricate embroidery details to uplift the overall artwork and make it truly special,” Cera-Tan says.

SOLO EXHIBIT

Cera-Tan held her first solo exhibition at this year’s Cayman Art Week, collaborating with Quinntessential Movement, a pole and aerial fitness studio in Galleria Plaza.

‘Transformation: Navigating Change and Resilience’ showcased several experiential works, including a walk-through experience allowing people to share and connect with different stages of personal transformation.

Cera-Tan now teaches children’s creative classes at Quinntessential Movement, including dance, music, crafts and storytelling.

Soaking up island life with her husband and two young sons, Cera-Tan continues to draw inspiration from her surroundings, life adventures and heritage.

“My artwork is a reflection of my journey and connection to different cultures, and I love sharing it with others,” she says. “I’ve found I have a deep connection and need to understand my heritage and bloodline. That’s what truly interests me about other people – where they’re from and who they are. We all have a story to tell, and we can all connect with each other on some level, and that excites me. Nobody should be left out.”

This article originally appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of InsideOut magazine.