Quilt Exhibition Opens at Cottle Church, Nevis

Cyle Warner’s “Congregation,” a poignant quilt installation commemorating the 201st anniversary of Cottle Church in Nevis, promises a profound exploration of history, memory, and the enduring spirit of a community. Scheduled for unveiling on May 3, 2025, at 1 pm, the exhibition will transform the weathered ruins of this historic church into a vibrant tapestry of remembrance, weaving together the threads of the past with the textures of the present. Thirteen sand-covered quilts will serve as the medium for Warner’s artistic expression, each one a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of Cottle Church, a beacon of integration in the 19th-century Caribbean.

Built in 1824, Cottle Church holds a unique place in the annals of Caribbean history. It stands as one of the first Anglican churches in the region to embrace integrated worship, bringing together enslaved Africans and plantation owners under a shared roof. This act of radical inclusivity, particularly in the context of the era’s pervasive societal divisions, imbues the church ruins with a powerful symbolism that resonates even today. Warner’s installation seeks to amplify this historical significance, using the church as both canvas and inspiration to explore the complex interweaving of faith, oppression, and resilience that defined the lives of those who worshipped within its walls.

The artist’s choice of quilts as the primary medium is laden with meaning. Quilting, traditionally a communal activity, often involving the sharing of stories and skills passed down through generations, echoes the shared history and collective memory that Cottle Church represents. The thirteen quilts, each individually crafted yet forming a unified whole, symbolize the diverse individuals who comprised the congregation, united by their shared faith despite their disparate social standings. The act of covering these quilts with sand further deepens the symbolic resonance, connecting the artwork to the very land upon which Cottle Church stands, the land that bore witness to the joys and sorrows, the struggles and triumphs of its congregants. The sand, a tangible link to the island’s history, becomes an integral element of the installation, a reminder of the passage of time and the enduring presence of the past.

Warner’s artistic process is as much about unearthing buried histories as it is about creating new expressions of remembrance. By incorporating island materials, such as the sand, and family fabrics, personal remnants of lives lived, Warner imbues the quilts with a deeply personal and evocative quality. The fabrics, imbued with the memories of their previous owners, whisper tales of generations past, connecting the present to the ancestral lineage of the island’s inhabitants. The erosion, a natural process of decay and transformation, becomes an active participant in Warner’s artistic vision, adding another layer of meaning to the installation. The gradual wearing away of the sand-covered quilts mirrors the passage of time, reflecting the inevitable decay of physical structures while simultaneously highlighting the enduring power of memory and the resilience of the human spirit.

Through the interplay of craft, materials, and the evocative setting of the church ruins, Warner creates a living memorial, a space where the past and present converge. “Congregation” is not merely an exhibition; it is an experience, an invitation to engage with the complex and often painful history of Cottle Church and the broader narrative of Nevisian history. The installation serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith, the struggle for equality, and the resilience of a community forged in the crucible of adversity. It invites visitors to reflect upon the legacy of those who came before, to acknowledge the injustices they faced, and to celebrate their enduring spirit.

The exhibition, generously supported by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, underscores the importance of artistic endeavors in preserving and interpreting historical narratives. By transforming the ruins of Cottle Church into a space of contemplation and remembrance, Warner offers a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting the past, honoring the memories of those who shaped it, and embracing the lessons learned in the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable future. All are invited to participate in this unique and moving experience, to witness the transformative power of art, and to connect with the enduring spirit of Cottle Church and the community it once served.