Dear Editor,
The paintings that were sent to the Netherlands for the “Benedicto IV: Mighty Echo of the Amazon Rainforest – Revelations of the Guianas” exhibition last October have arrived back home. Had it not been for my letter on this issue published in this column over two months ago – and much thanks for that – they would probably still be languishing in a depot waiting to be shipped out. Whereas they were packed and shipped from Guyana to the Netherlands within a matter of weeks in time for the exhibition’s opening, it has taken seven months to have them returned. This discrepancy in efficiency is rather puzzling. I have lent pieces before for local exhibitions but I will be hesitant to loan anything again for an international exhibition that would be handled by the local authorities.
I received a letter of thanks, along with a copy of the exhibition’s catalogue, from Acting Curator Ohene Koama of the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House. He stated that Guyana’s participation in this exhibition was a “significant accomplishment” and that it was the “first time that Guyana has participated in such an exhibition in this major international art hub that has such a rich art history”. All the more unfortunate that a press release was never done to inform the public about this exhibition and Guyana’s participation. However, anyone interested in the fine arts can learn more about the exhibition at the website: https://repeatingislands.com/2020/09/13/art-exhibition-benedictio-iv-mighty-echo-of-the-amazon-rainforest-revelations-of-the-guianas/
Sincerely,
Ryhaan Shah