Stan Burnside
Stan Burnside: A Pioneer and Master of Bahamian Art
Patricia Glinton-Meicholas © 31 October 2024
Stan Burnside (B. 1947. Nassau) a highly acclaimed artist of local and international renown, was born to a dentist father and pharmacist mother, who prized their Bahamian culture and African heritage, a deep regard which was passed on to their children. It is a philosophy that has long infused the art of their sons Stan and his late brother, Jackson.
Stan was educated at Government High School in Nassau and abroad at Lincoln University (Pa.) and Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts. This ivy leaguer earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
Burnside has been a driving force in the cultural landscape of The Bahamas, as an educator, painter, editorial cartoonist, Junkanoo designer and Founder of B-CAUSE (Bahamian Creative Artists United for Serious Expression). He has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows across the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the U.S.A., Europe and Asia, and his paintings can be found in important collections around the world.
Thematically, his paintings focus largely on Bahamian culture and African heritage and seminal human issues such as human rights, freedom and marginalization as relates most often to Black people and women of all ethnicities. In style, the works tend towards Surrealism in imbedding a wealth of thought and ideals in figuration that encourages deep reflection. Stan's colours and energy usually derive much from Junkanoo, inclusive of his impactful, repeated design motifs and strong colour contrasts symbolizing the resilience and vibrancy of Bahamian identity. In “Blacks and Blues”, he is experimenting with new colour chords, creating “new sounds”, new harmonies, new music.
Stan Burnside has received several awards and honours for his significant contributions in many areas of art and people development. He remains deeply grounded in his Bahamian roots and committed to his mission of representing his culture authentically. His journey and achievements as an artist are a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to representing Bahamian culture as well as his take on global issues with integrity and passion. Through his vibrant and evocative works, Burnside continues to capture the spirit of The Bahamas, making him a cherished and influential figure in the nation’s Art world. As he progresses in his career, his legacy as an artist, mentor, and cultural ambassador continues to grow.
EXHIBITIONS
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BLACKS AND THE BLUES
STAN BURNSIDE
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QUARANTINO'S LULLABY
STAN BURNSIDE
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UNMASTERED
TAVARES STRACHAN | JEFFERY MERIS STAN BURNSIDE PABLO PICASSO | JOAN MIRÓ | ANTONI TAPIES