Artists tend to view the world through a very vivid perspective. With the strokes of their paintbrushes or through the lens of their cameras painters and photographers offer a glimpse of their viewpoint and in this time of the novel coronavirus, we seek them out for clarity or the hope to get through it.
This week, The Scene caught up with some Guyanese artists and photographers who have been using their time during the Covid-19 lockdown to detail how the virus is affecting us or using their talent to give hope by simply creating platforms to engage those who may be lacking purpose in this time.
Michael Griffith is well known for creating statement pieces particularly in the political area but his quest for a united Guyana is a motto that seems to highlight every painting. His paintings about trending issues in Guyana are posted on his Facebook page.
He often takes commissions and is currently painting a portrait of a couple. However, leisure time is granted every now and again and one of his most recent works displays medical personnel on the frontline battling Covid-19 in a bid to keep Guyana on its feet.
“Basically, I’m trying to highlight the importance of health workers during this critical time,” Michael said.
Darrell Carpenay is a photographer residing in Central Georgetown. In the last few weeks, he has seen the city move from the bustling to quiet. Because that he lives with senior relatives, he has been very careful to remain indoors, but the few times he has ventured out, Darrell has taken his camera with him.
The photographer who is more versed in landscape/nature photography and street photography noted that the quiet streets have not been impressive enough to have him capture the candid black and white shots he loves taking. His trips have seen him leaving his home on his bicycle, stopping at the seawalls to frame the nakedness of the beach and its immediate surroundings. Along the once busy streets of Georgetown he may come along a person here and there wearing a facemask.
Another busy town in Guyana is Bartica. Photographer Malcolm Hinds lives here. A records clerk at the Bartica Hospital he is considered an essential worker and is required to be at work. Malcolm has made a name for himself in Bartica and is often called upon for portrait photoshoots as this is his specialty.
His job presents some exposure, but there are sinks installed at the entries and exits of the building for handwashing and he and other staff take the necessary precautions to stay safe. He noted that he wears a mask on his face all day long. He does not have to give patients their records himself, as this is done by the nurses, which of course he is grateful for.
Life has become more reflective for him. Unable to do much portrait photography he has for some time now been taking photos of the night sky.
Naeema Bacchus, a Guyanese artist, has been living in New York for quite some time now, a state that has been hit hard by the virus. The artist who lives with her two sons said it is scary, but her colorful paintings are a breath of fresh air in this chaotic world.
The artist noted that in any many ways, her artistic plans have come to a standstill. Just at a time when the weather is becoming warmer, she said, and persons are looking forward to enjoying the outdoors, they have to remain locked away. An art teacher, she had planned to use Spring break to do plein air painting or en plein air which means to paint outdoors.
“I’m not able to go to any art shows or teach private painting which did put a little downer on my spirit. However, Covid-19 has brought out some of my other creative sides I have neglected over the years like my writing and finding imaginative and fun things to do with my sons every day, especially cooking and painting together. My paintings and creativity these quarantine days are inspired by a world of fear. It’s sad to watch so many feeling lost and hopeless and I know that if I think that way, I too will fall victim to this depression, so I paint pictures of love and hope and believe it will bring solace to the isolated, the depressed, the hopeless….”, Naeema said.
Among the pieces she is one she did with her two sons using candles called ‘Wax Galaxy’.
Fidel Bassier, one of Guyana’s most sought-after photographers is often caught up in an event. A fulltime photographer, his job has been put on hold since the lockdown. A father of two girls, Fidal said what is most important now for him is staying at home and keeping his family safe. Though his event photography and photoshoots have since stopped, he has taken this time to start a new photography project with his two daughters being the subjects.
And then there is Nigel Butler, a young man whose skill is quickly making his name a household one in Guyana. Those who have visited Hard Rock Café at Movietowne would have certainly come across some of his paintings.
While this time finds him taken up with his art, he and several other artists who are a part of Kayap, a platform which allows all creatives to share their work with each other. The group is using its Facebook page as a stage for anyone wanting to express themselves in art and is encouraging persons to do so using the #quaranthemes
Many persons, Nigel noted, have since come forward to express their gratitude for such a platform that has allowed them to express themselves and become more positive which is helping them to keep it together at a time when everything seems to be falling apart.
