Bahamas News

Local artists say Chan Pratt will be remembered for his unique style in painting.

Holly Parotti, Collections Manager and Curatorial Assistant at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) told the Journal on Friday that Mr. Pratt will be sadly missed in the art community.

“He had his own recognizable style in the way that he painted,” she said. “He was really good at it.”

Ms. Parotti said that his death will not be in vain.

“We in The Bahamas do not really support art appreciation,” she said. “His passing brings the need for proper documentation in the art industry. We have started doing that here at NAGB but we have a long way to go.

“I mean look at the BGCSE exams that secondary high school students take. I think as part of that exam they should be able to name five Bahamian artists like the Max Taylors, Eddie Minnises, Antonio Robertses and so forth.”

She said that her recollection of Pratt’s last exhibition was a few years back with Laurie Thompson.

“I find Pratt’s passing to be very shocking because he was young but he definitely contributed to art in the country,” Ms. Parotti said.

“It’s just sad to note that we don’t take art appreciation seriously in this country. Kids of tomorrow may never ever know who Chan Pratt is.”

Ms. Parotti said there needs to be proper documentation when it comes to remembering artists and their work.

Chan Pratt, 44, was found dead reportedly from a stroke or heart attack at Colony Club on St. Alban’s Drive off West Bay Street Wednesday night.

He owned a nursery called The Tree Depot & Artscaping also located on St. Alban’s Drive.

Pratt was described as “a truly unique creative force in the world of art.”

He was the son of Captain George C. Pratt and Mavis Tynes, and was born on September 29, 1963 in Nassau, Bahamas.

Police told the Journal on Friday that foul play is not suspected in Mr. Pratt’s death.

Source: Bahama Journal