Category: ARTS & CULTURE

Through their art, Shimuel Jones and Michael Griffith capture the meaning of fatherhood, saying that fathers should not only be financial providers, but also nurturers. Shimuel Jones is a Guyanese artist noted for possessing immense skill in painting, drawing or sculpting. His thought-provoking piece “Father and Son” depicts a son embraced by his father. “What is most significant about this painting is the book that the child is holding.  As a father, it is important to not only be a monetary provider, but someone who nurtures the mind of his…

Richard Gui Pennington Sharples, better known as R. G. Sharples, was a man of extraordinary ability who demonstrated a wealth of talents.  Alongside his legal career, Sharples is recognised equally for his artistic legacy and his contribution to the development of a ‘local style’ in the history of fine art in Guyana. Sharples was born in Georgetown on May 1, 1906. He was the youngest son of Mary Johanna (née Scott) and John Bradshaw Sharples, the famous architect and builder. He began his early education at the Ursuline Convent and…

Guyana became an independent nation in 1966, but its artists had already, from a generation before, begun to show independence of thought, action and vision. The artistic ferment in Georgetown in the decades between 1930 and 1960 is a yet largely-unrecognised intellectual and philosophical development in Guyana.  The early part of this period laid the foundation for an art which lacks nothing in richness, complexity and ideation. Samuel Horace Broodhagen (1883-1950) is identified as the earliest-known local artist. He was a painter of landscapes and portraits, but not much is…

Matt & Annie Arts – Turning Ideas into Reality is a business started by Courtney and Aneeza Douglas, both of whom graduated from E. R. Burrowes School of Arts with diplomas in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Together, they have won five National Arts Awards and numerous art competitions. They were married in August 2013 and have a son, Lucas Myles. Courtney is currently working at Tinninben Animation Studio, and Aneeza does commissioned artworks at home. Art plays a significant role in the lives of the Douglases. Courtney states that their…

The spirit of family, love and beauty is portrayed in soap stone, wood and paper by an extraordinary collection of artists and crafters. The family theme is displayed on the exhibit stands of the artists and craftsmen of the Main Street Artist Association on a daily basis obliquely to Tower Hotel. Sculptors such as Lewis, Ferreira, Sealey and Wilson carve “Mother & Child” and “Family Unity and Love” wooden sculptures giving meaning to “motherly love” and “tender care”. Award-winning artist Colin Nedd’s portrait of his grandson taking a bath in…

Artist Darshani Kistama is “honoured” to be among veteran Guyanese artists exhibiting their artwork at Castellani House. This is Darshani’s inaugural exhibition at the art gallery. Darshani has on display artistic paintings, drawings, saris and beautifully hand-painted bottles. The on-going exhibition, themed “Ganga Ship 1917: The Long Journey”, is being held to commemorate the centenary of the abolition of the Indian indentureship. Speaking to Sunday Times Magazine, Darshani said she is inspired by nature and her “commitment” to her religion, which is a central theme in most of her art.…

Remembering the achievements of our African ancestors and their journey to emancipation from slavery gives us a sense of identity and helps us to appreciate our roots. This is the aim of celebrations that would be held throughout the month of February, designated Black History Month worldwide. The Mali Empire and the Mande Charter Most social studies and history programs teach little about the kingdoms of Africa. Not much is said about the great kingdoms of sub-Saharan Africa such as the Kingdom of Kush, the Kingdom of Axum, the Land…