The Bahamian Project was created in 2012 to explore the Bahamian reality from a humanistic point of view.
One of the initial goals of the Project was to create a permanent collection of photographs to provide recognition, foster cultural awareness and create a record of the people who form the heart and soul of our nation.
In 2013, at the end of the first year of the Bahamian Project, the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas hosted an exhibition of the photographs by Duke Wells, as part of their programming scheduled for the 40th Anniversary of The Bahamas’ Independence. There have been smaller exhibitions of the growing portrait collection since.
What started out as a fine art photography project by one photographer blossomed into an artistic/cultural/historical initiative with a growing cadre of photographers, creating over 120 portraits of subjects from all walks of life, throughout The Bahamas.
In July, 2017, the largest ever exhibition of portraits was exhibited at the Central Bank Gallery in downtown Nassau.
A total of 120 framed canvas prints, from both exhibitions, formed the basis for the Bahamas National Portrait Gallery.
The Bahamian Project enters its third phase with an emphasis on the Family Islands. Our photographers will select people, places, activities and scenes that reveal a sensitive understanding of what it means to be “Bahamian”.
Story-telling with images that show the beauty of The Bahamas through its people and its environment.
The style of photography used in the Bahamian Project offers a faithful, permanent and universal means of communication. By presenting the subjects in a uniquely personal manner, the images provide insight into the personalities of the individual subjects and help create a mirror of the Bahamian condition.
The Bahamian Project acts to preserve history, providing meaning and insight to this time in the story of The Bahamas, showing the good in Bahamian society so that it may be fostered, enriched and enjoyed forever.
There are plans to publish high-quality coffee table books with themed collections of images, information on the portrait subjects and behind-the-scenes photographs of the production.
Through the generosity of our sponsors and public donations, the Bahamian Project will continue to preserve, sponsor and present fine portraiture, while showcasing the beauty and character of the people of The Bahamas.
Please sign up for our mailing list to stay informed on the progress, special exhibitions and other events related to the Bahamian Project and visit the Bahamas National Portrait Gallery website.