Art School graduates encouraged to create dialogue
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DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 22, 2018
The E.R. Burrowes School of Art yesterday hosted an opening ceremony for its graduating students of 2018. Among the many pieces showcased were paintings, textile designs, jewellery, leather craft and sculptures.
Administrator of the Art Institute, Ivor Thom, in his address, encouraged the students to go out into society and give of the best. “You are on another crossroad where you will be proving yourself as artists. We have given you the tools; now you can use those tools to make an impact, to make a change and to be what you want to be in this world.”
The graduates were also encouraged to use their talents to spark a nationwide discourse. “Use their creativity and their canvases to inspire a national dialogue on important issues of interest in society and also to inspire more Guyanese to appreciate the beauty of art,” Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain said in her remarks.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) interviewed a few of the exhibitors. Esther Nankoo uses her life experiences to influence her amazing art. “I use introspection because introspection is basically self-analysis; I do deep contemplation on my life experiences to produce my art… From observing society, I realise many persons experience difficulties and I wanted to show the public they are not alone with their struggles.”
Display his painting and leather craft was Herchelle Pellew who said that his pieces are designed to create a discussion so that persons can express their individual views about the various social issues facing Guyana, “so that we can work together as one people to move the country forward”. He hopes to further his art education in Barbados where he will be able to get a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in graphic design.
Fellow graduate, Joanna Suchit displayed realistic and abstract paintings. She said, “I paint what I understand most, which is myself and I get to express a lot more since it is more real coming from me.”
Laurindo John said his paintings, drawings and jewellery were inspired by local Lokono Arawak artist and archaeologist, George Simon. Laurindo dreams of one day becoming a young entrepreneur but first plans on gaining more experience in the field of arts and craft.
The Burrowes School of Arts is geared to training people to become professional artists, through painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, textile designs, photography, jewellery and leather craft courses.
Teresa Newton
Images: Anil Seelall