Vertivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in Dominica is currently hosting “I Am Dominica,” a compelling solo exhibition featuring the latest works of Dominican artist Francilia Agar. The showcase launched on February 3rd at Melrose House in Roseau, strategically timed to coincide with the island’s Carnival celebrations.
Agar’s artistic practice demonstrates masterful manipulation of color, dynamic movement, and rich texture. Her creations serve as visual narratives that capture Dominica’s breathtaking natural scenery, collective cultural memories, and profound sense of identity. This exhibition represents an expansion of the thematic exploration began in her critically acclaimed 2024 show, “I Am Kalinago,” which examined concepts of heritage and belonging.
Born in Sineku, Dominica, and adopted at age two, Agar has developed a multifaceted career as a pianist, educator, and interdisciplinary artist. Though presently residing in Arizona, she maintains strong ties to her Caribbean roots, regularly returning to exhibit her work and participate in Dominica’s artistic community.
Her paintings reveal a fascinating visual dialogue between the lush tropical vegetation of the Caribbean and the arid desert landscapes of the American Southwest. This unique perspective emerges through Agar’s intuitive approach to mark-making, creating artwork that bridges her dual environmental experiences while celebrating her Dominican origins.