Through a new website, a Guyanese entrepreneur has brought authentic Guyanese art to one virtual space to both help artists make a living and to promote dialogue.
FineArt.gy was launched on October 28, 2021, by Sade Barrow-Browne, a University of Guyana (UG) art graduate and Creative Director at IntellectStorm, an information technology-based solutions and marketing company.
Speaking at the virtual launch of the website on social media, Barrow-Browne stated that her focus in this endeavour is centred on the redefinition of art, as not only a legitimized career path, but also a driving force of innovative thinking and expression for all.
“Art is meant to stimulate thought and conversation between viewers. By reflecting on an art piece, we delve into our own experiences and nostalgia, thus art means something different to every person. … It encourages thoughtful conversation and the understanding that there is more than one approach to every situation. This is what this platform is all about — belonging, resistance, possibilities and the role of the arts in pushing the world into more than what it is today,” the CEO stated.
The platform allows artists to showcase and sell their work, with information about the various pieces displayed through individualized links created on the website. The display includes paintings, photography, ceramics, sculptures and mixed media. Among others, the website features paintings from Jermana Defreitas, Akeem King and Michael Griffith, along with photography from Reshi Rampersaud, Keno George and Michael Lam. Through the website, businesses and interior designers also have the option of renting artwork to beautify spaces for various events. Subscription packages and social media marketing services are also listed on the website.
Barrow-Browne said she has come to realize that Guyana has a lot of budding and emerging visual artists. She was able to connect with quite a few who are seeking support to further excel in the various artforms.
The website has already received endorsement from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, who spoke at the launch and praised the involvement of women in the technological aspect of the initiative. The minister said these modern approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic will be the new norm, pointing to strategies implemented which have allowed a much wider market than in the pre-pandemic period.
“When we thought of art, a physical gallery in a specific location was the most logical consideration; however, Covid-19 has taught us to be innovative,” she said. Further, Minister Walrond said her ministry will continue to support small businesses, particularly those with novel ideas, adding that there are multiple links between this project and the responsibilities within her remit.
“For example, the pairing of art and tourism is now a common approach that has demonstrated tremendous economic value. While many see these two sectors as separate and apart, there is an overlap between the two – tourists are prepared to travel great distances to experience genuine art. Moving forward, the ministry will be more engaged in developing synergistic relationships between the creative sectors – culture, sport and tourism,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Paloma Mohamed noted that Barrow-Browne was following a path blazed by late Guyanese academic, Professor Doris Rogers, who oversaw the introduction of the university’s first fine arts degree in 1990. Commending Barrow-Browne and her supporters for getting the project off the ground, Professor Mohamed urged Guyanese to develop greater appreciation and respect for the arts.
“When people speak to me about why they should support the arts and what the meaning of the arts are to the world, I ask a very simple question, because they tend not to think in a very constructive way about what arts and artistry mean to civilization, as a planet, or us as a human species. We are the only species that have this, so this is an important way of us, not only reflecting upon our own existence but also documenting it, interpreting it and creating a narrative over time about who we are, how we see the world, how we did things, what we thought about, what we loved, what we didn’t,” Mohamed stressed.
The Vice Chancellor encouraged persons to visit the website and explore “the wonderful representation of thought, life, culture, landscape, flora, fauna, interactions, relationships, history” captured in the work of the various artists on showcase, especially for holiday presents. She further cautioned against the unauthorized use of the work on display, urging people not to replicate the artists’ work without seeking their permission.
“There’s intellectual and copyrights involved here and while we can look and enjoy, we should really respect the law and the work and inputs and rights of persons who would have put their work online for you to view with a particular purpose, and we should not be trying to copy and replicate that work without the requisite legal permissions and royalties…being paid,” she added.
Having developed a passion for art in high school, Barrow-Browne pursued visual arts at the Burrowes School of Arts in the area of ceramics. With those skills and ideas continually blooming, she went on to complete her university studies in the area of art. Upon completion, she embarked on a career in graphic design. It was through these skills that she became one of three partners at IntellectStorm, where she took on the leadership role of Creative Director. Her career goal to incorporate digital art information communication technology (ICT) in developing the business community and Guyana at large continues.
On the website, Barrow-Browne describes her most important roles as wife and mother to her children. With her family in mind, she continues to foster her dream of creating a specially formulated platform for the realization of artistry on a larger scale. She said that FineArts.gy emerged from years of dedication to the value and range of independent Guyanese.
She is encouraging young girls and women to consider careers in ICT, since the demand for skilled workers in the field is high and needs to be diversified to stop gender stereotypes.
Moving forward, the CEO of FineArst.gy plans to engage artists in workshops and panel discussion where their work will gain further exposure. Barrow-Browne told Sunday Stabroek that since the launch of the website, the feedback has been tremendous, especially with regard to the registration of artists. She advises persons finding it difficult to get their ideas off the ground to keep pursuing their passions. (Onicka Jones)