Crystal Bacchus in the Garden

New Spotlight Gallery Feature at Cornell Art Museum

Crystal Bacchus has been mesmerized by color since childhood, producing sophisticated artwork as early as age 13. Influenced by fashion and her mother’s stylish clothing designs, she developed a passion for rich colors and textured patterns—hallmarks of her work today.

A graduate of the International Fine Arts College (now the Art Institute of Miami), Crystal continues to create unique and vibrant works across fashion and canvas. Her artistic process is rooted in exploring the dynamic relationships between color and texture, with a particular emphasis on pairing paper and paint. “I love paper and its various textures—and the unpredictability of watercolor,” says Bacchus.

Her work draws inspiration from her Trinidadian heritage and is deeply influenced by the cultures of Japan, Africa, and other regions around the world.

“In the Garden” is an imaginative journey into a supernatural landscape—one brimming with vibrant life and a touch of whimsy. This body of work envisions a living, breathing ecosystem filled with radiant fruits, playful birds, blooming flowers, butterflies, sea creatures, and more. It’s a celebration of nature’s spectrum—seen through the artist’s deeply personal, culturally rich lens.

“The Cornell Art Museum is thrilled to feature artist Crystal Bacchus in her debut Spotlight Gallery exhibition! From an Emerging Artist at Art on the Square Fine Art Show and a Museum Store artist, Crystal’s talent has flourished. We are proud to celebrate Crystal’s journey in this special showcase.”

~ Marusca Gatto, Cultural Arts Director, Cornell Art Museum