Introduction
In commemoration of the renowned artist Stanley Greaves’ 90 birthday, the Sunday Stabroek will be featuring images of some of his artwork accompanied by poems written by him.
This week’s painting is entitled: MAZARUNI, 1977, Oils, 36 “X 24”, Oils. It was in the National Collection at one time.
A note from Mr Greaves follows:
I returned to Guyana in1968 after studying in the UK. It was difficult to return to painting because I had studied sculpture. My ideas for painting did not reflect the current practice.
In 1977 I went with Bobby Fernandes to the Mazaruni District where he wanted to take photos. During the early part of the trip I had strange dreams about Art and Music. On returning to the City I did the painting Mazaruni, a configuration of a strange place with strange figures. After this I was able to paint the way I wanted to. My Spirit had returned to Guyana. It was in the National Collection and was gifted to Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere during his visit to Guyana.
I stated my objection because works in the National Collection belong to the Nation. Relating the incident to Denis Williams when he became Director of Art, led him to commission jewellery by Gaskin and Jackson to be used as gifts. Their designs were based on Indigenous symbols.
The poem follows:
KAMARIA, 1987. Dedicated to Ivan “Farro’’ Forrester (Hydromet: Officer whose very intimate relationship with the hinterland is evidenced in poems and paintings.
KAMARIA
The forest is a secret blanket,
but rivers know the way
past blue hypnotic fungus
sitting in the magic of
green twilight thoughts
that hide horizons forever.
Precious things create links
with moments of hope and delight,
standing like proud citizens
of the sleeping edge, between
faceted rock and fulgent water.
In the detritus of dreams
and the wakeful will of forest
are silent green leaves
on black tongues of the dead
stating the futility of search.
But impatient rapids know
why the left eye is of agate
and right of elusive gold.
