House Of Spirits: The Visionary Art Of Gladwyn K. Bush

Known for her seafaring and Christian inspired works, the artist Gladwyn K. Bush has had a lasting cultural impact on the Cayman Islands with her bold, visionary paintings.

Bush, a 4th generation Caymanian, was one of the most well known folk artists on the Island. Born in 1914 in Grand Cayman, and affectionately known as Miss Lassie, she began painting relatively late in her life at the grand age of 62, after she experienced a religious vision in 1984. Her outsider art featured unconventional, fantasy landscapes that were heavily influenced by her Christian faith, and her spiritual dreams.
Painting in oils on canvas, glass and wood, her intuitive art is defined by simplistic lines, bold colours and scenes of Caymanian seafaring life, and abstract depictions of Biblical stories which she painted on the doors, windows, ceilings, shutters, fridge and walls of her house. Bush was awarded an MBE by the British Empire in 1997. She died in 2003 at the age of 89 but remains a celebrated artistic figure in her homeland.

Built by her father, her Georgetown home is only one of six locations which has been preserved and declared a place of National Historic Interest on the island. In recognition of her art, and contribution to Caymanian culture, the government purchased the wattle and daub building in 2008, after part of the building was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. A national landmark, the house was renamed the Mind’s Eye and was officially opened to visitors in April 2011. The site is run by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, who help maintain the restoration of the building.
The Managing Director of CNFC, Marcia Mutto believes that preserving Bush’s work is essential to create a Caymanian mythology. “Miss Lassie was at the same time extraordinary, and very representative of the community and the culture of these islands’, adding that her home will ‘serve as a cultural heritage site that will serve as a place to learn about and experience a very Caymanian way of life.’

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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