Young artists show at Art Gala

Founders of the society Jonathan Edwards and Srikanth Rao said the society is providing a platform for young artists not only for sale but to receive valuable feedback from other artists.

“It’s an important forum to promote local talent. What I’ve noticed is that many persons have the skill and the potential to become fantastic artists, but they unfortunately don’t know how to present their work and as a result of this, some lovely pieces are locked away in basements for years.” The pieces featured on March 18 took on a variety of media ranging from colourful, nostalgia-inducing paintings of life in rural Trinidad to black and white photographs depicting the stages of depression.

Returning artist and local favourite Nalini Singh displayed some of her popular local scenes and several hand-painted, seashells which caught the eyes of patrons. Singh said that she was pleased with the response to the event and said the turnout of young artists was an indication that art in Trinidad was alive and well.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m happy to see the turnout of patrons to support local artists. Tonight’s success isn’t measured only in terms of sheer numbers but also the quality of work on display from artists with such limited experience is nothing short of impressive.” Other works took on a life of their own as artists coupled bright images and dark silhouettes to create their finished product.

Whatever their individual tastes, patrons were treated to a variety of styles and topics highlighting social themes such as homelessness and domestic violence or more contemporary, upbeat abstract works. Realist designer and engineering student Jonathan Mapp was among one of the first time exhibitors. Using charcoals, Mapp sketches detailed drawings of wildlife, merging strokes into an eye-catching art.

“This is really the first time I’m being featured here at a gala, it’s been a wonderful experience and I’m happy that there is a forum like this which gives young, up and coming artists an outlet for us to showcase our works.”