Among a variety of things I loved about my five-day visit to Barbados, a highlight stands out: the stirring sculptures at the Gallery at Lancaster Great House. The fascinating pieces made of coral stone and plaster by the resident artist Jerome Radigois from Martinique dot the gorgeous garden of the pink-colored house.

On view until May 30th, this alfresco show is a celebration of the human being. What particularly touched me was the solitude of each figure, even those in pairs and groups. The artist describes his work as “an intuition process, meeting with one’s self, a rediscovered body, an act of love, a universe materialized, an ancestral combat, a spring of life.”

Also currently on display inside this beautifully restored private home is the show “From the Antique to the Contemporary: Barbadian Furniture from 1680-2009”, nicely curated and informative of local crafts and materials, with sturdy and elegant mahogany featuring as the star wood. Previous shows at Lancaster Great House have included works by international and Barbadian painters and photographers, many raising funds for various charities.

A fantastic place to visit if you want a dose of local art in a stunning environment, the Gallery at Lancaster Great House is free and open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am till 4pm. In addition to rotating exhibitions, it also has a small but lovely selection of art pieces and souvenirs at the gift shop.

More posts on Barbados coming soon, including stories about my ziplining adventure, polo lesson and more fun travel fodder.