By Abigail Headley
On September 29 and 30, FineArt.gy will host its first ever art show titled “Beyond the Brush”, where 40 artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
This week, Stabroek Weekend was able to have a chat with the show’s organiser Sade Barrow. An artist herself, Barrow was eager to give some insight about the upcoming event and its origins, and some details about herself.
Stabroek Weekend: Can you tell us a bit about the theme of the Beyond the Brush art show and what inspired it?
Sade Barrow: I realise the theme is very open-ended, but it is with reason. This being the gallery’s first year and first show, we decided to give the participating artists the liberty to express themselves, to embrace their techniques, and the attendees and patrons [the opportunity] to look beyond what they see on a piece of artwork and delve deeper; observing the techniques, connecting with the piece emotionally and even getting to know the artist. Understanding and appreciating art as a society can have major benefits. Imagine more spaces with persons who are more open to individuality, opinions, experiences, culture, and history!
SW: How did you go about selecting the 40 artists who are featured in the show?
SB: Through our online gallery, FineArt.gy, we sent out our “Artist Call” to our social media pages. Not surprisingly, we received a massive number of entries/registrations, even regionally. We vetted and selected a few, and with the addition of our member artists, we amounted to 40.
SW: As the organiser of the show, what do you hope attendees will take away from their experience?
SB: Certainly, a greater appreciation for the arts and artists in Guyana [and] to know that there is a thriving art community within Guyana. There are artists who can produce original pieces, to suit your spaces and aesthetics, they just need to connect with us.
SW: What challenges did you face in planning and executing the Beyond the Brush art show, and how did you overcome them?
SB: I was asked this quite a few times since starting the planning of this exhibition. To be honest, they are not challenges, they’re very much learning curves and experiences. For future planning, I think I need to remember that there are persons within the community willing to help, and FineArt.gy needs not do everything on its own. I don’t believe this could have been possible without the help of the art community, locally and internationally. And, if I’m to be specific, it’s also because of the encouragement of Ms CCH Pounder-Kone; a world-renowned Guyanese-British art collector.
SW: How did you become involved in curating art shows, and what drives your passion for art?
SB: I’ve been more in the background helping with other art shows and curating Fineart.gy online, so this is one show I’m undertaking as the lead. Giving our artists the channel and space for opportunity to thrive is what drives me. I like to see the artists win! I can relate to what it felt like coming out of the art school or the university and wondering what’s next as an artist myself. I also love to see the faces of buyers when they unwrap their local art piece and they mount it and admire it and they have lively conversations about the piece.
SW: How do you see the art scene evolving in Guyana, and what role do you hope Beyond the Brush will play in that growth?
SB: I’d like to see an even more vibrant art scene, with events and engagements that go beyond a Sip and Paint. I’d like to see involvement that stretches internationally for our local artists. Beyond the Brush’s event is the opportunity to present ourselves to the public, to re-engage and to connect to patrons who have similar interests and whose initiatives and goals align with our art community.
SW: Are there any particular artists or pieces that you are especially excited about showcasing at the show?
SB: Yes. We’re intrigued to see the works of Courtney Douglas and Dominique Hunter on show with two different styles, themes and works, and pieces that I would love to have for myself. I’ve become so attached to some of the pieces while laying out the catalogue! In addition to our showcase, we’re planning, through the sponsorship of Impressions Branding, to have a photo op space where a piece of art is used for production to show patrons and artists how they can further commercialise and market their work.
SW: For those who may not be familiar with your work, could you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into the art industry?
SB: I’ve always been an artist in the background. Since finishing my CXC, my family has been my constant support and has guided and nurtured my career path; it began with a short internship in the art room at Guyenterprise. And I guess, I’ve always been in art rooms or been part of creative projects since then, learning graphic designing and meeting and being mentored by well-known personalities in advertising. The E R Burrowes School of Art really played a major role in my development as an artist as well. I think what I value most are the connections I’ve made and continue to make on this journey in the art industry, maintaining a good attitude, and remembering life lessons, especially when working with others.
SW: So, what advice would you give to aspiring artists or art curators looking to make their mark in the industry?
SB: Learn! Never stop learning; do your own research, learn from other artists, and pass the knowledge on as you learn. Connect with like-minded artists and share and discuss your work. This is how you’ll grow; this is how your work will improve.
While Friday’s opening night is by invitation only, the Saturday showing is open to the general public. Barrow is inviting anyone who is interested to attend the show and be part of FineArt.gy’s history in the making of Beyond the Brush.
