Heritage Art Exhibition showcases works of Indigenous artists
─ honours veteran artist Stephanie Henela Correia
DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 7, 2018
The Indigenous Heritage Art Exhibition, which was declared open on Thursday at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House, beautifully showcases the works of debutant and veteran Indigenous artists.
This year, the show honours the late Stephanie Henela Correia, a veteran artist, whose work can be found in collections all over the world. Correia was born in Moruca and is the daughter of the late Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous parliamentarian and Umblina Campbell.
First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, were among those in attendance.
Minister Garrido-Lowe delivered the featured address, noting that the creativity and remarkable artisanship of the Indigenous Peoples’ were demonstrated during the week-long food and craft exhibition at the Heritage Village.
Minister Garrido-Lowe remarked that these skills were not taught in schools, but instead passed down from generation to generation and have remained an integral part of the culture of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. These talents, the minister said, hold a place of pride among Indigenous Peoples.
Late artist Stephanie Henela Correia, is one such person that holds a place of honour, Minister Garrido-Lowe emphasised.
Correia enjoyed travelling with her father and visiting other Indigenous communities which awakened her interest in the rich folklore of her Amerindian heritage. Her artistic ability was noticed very early by her parents.
In 1950, she was called to Georgetown to attend the Guyana Teachers Training College where she graduated as a Class 1 Trained Teacher, won the first place in her batch of 24 and the Bain Grey Prize for the most outstanding student. Her art Tutor was the renowned E.R Burrowes.
In 1955, Stephanie married Vincent Correia and resigned from teaching, since her husband worked for the Interior Department, and was required to move from district to district. Whenever Stephanie visited the various districts she would take notes and make sketches of rock paintings, petroglyphs and hieroglyphics.
Her piece Kabakaburi Music, completed in 1998, is a fascinating engrossing watercolour piece and is perhaps one of her best in portraying, encompassing and blending various themes harmoniously together.
Stephanie Correia was awarded the Medal of Service (M.S) in 1980 for her dedication to the arts and for the creative use of Indigenous materials and designs. In 1996, she was also awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A). Shortly after her death in 2000, Castellani House staged a tribute to her themed “Sharing Remembrances of Stephanie Correia”.
This year’s exhibition, which will run until September 29, is open to the public from 10:00hrs daily. Pieces on display include both paintings and sculptures done by veteran artists George Simon, Desmond Alli, and Oswald Husain, as well as, Welkie George and Jerry Marco, Ransford Simon and Deborah Mathias among others.
By: Synieka Thorne.
Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan.