New Exhibition Showcases the Cultural Importance and Influence of Dancehalls

Geoffrey Holder’s intrigue with the lively dancehalls of Trinidad is vividly captured in his exhibition “Saturday Night” at the James Fuentes Gallery in Manhattan. The collection emphasizes the revitalizing and community-focused spirit of dancehalls through energetic paintings, particularly featuring the namesake piece “Saturday Night” from 2007. This artwork depicts a vibrant scene of enthusiastic dancers immersed in joyful movement, enveloped in warmth and rhythm. Holder’s creations frequently spotlight women, celebrating the convergence of race, gender, and culture within Black and other marginalized communities. The exhibition furthers this story of joy and unity, evident in artworks like “Shoes” (1996) and “Waiting for the Dance” (2001), where Holder’s expressive style encapsulates moments of stillness and anticipation before the dance commences. The show is a reflection of Holder’s passion for dance, evident in his body of work beyond painting, which includes costume and choreography design for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. “Saturday Night” is open for viewing until January 10, 2026, at the James Fuentes Gallery, beckoning viewers to immerse themselves in the fervor and intimacy of Holder’s dancehall interpretations.