UNDER the theme: “Aspects of Perception: The Renaissance”, the Faculty of Education and Humanities of the University of Guyana (UG), launched an art exhibition seeking to highlight the creative talents of Guyanese youth.

On display at the Umana Yana, from June 19 to 24, are numerous masterpieces using a variety of mediums. The works being featured are from 10 artists who all have a passion for

the field. The artists are: Michael Griffith, Leevon Brumell, Aelisha Garnett- Wiliiams, Elodie Cage- Smith, Sandra LaRocque, Chelsea Ramotar, Violet Holder, Tonya Williams, Alvina Naughton and Keisha Beharry.

Some of the artists explained that their pieces had a deeper meaning than just what meets the eye. The pieces depicted Mother Nature and destruction done to her, while others expressed abstract feelings like love or oppression. The artists created sculptures too.

According to Technical Advisor of the Ministry of Education and UG Council Member, Vincent Alexander, “Art is also a science.”

He made this statement while relating that there is a tremendous amount of emphasis and attention being placed on “STEM”- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. However, he posited that the adoption of “STEAM” should be used instead since it allows for the inclusion of art and the arts.

Alexander expressed too that the artists need to be more “explicit” with their work, especially when relating the experimentation and technologies involved in creating the pieces to those of the sciences.

“It’s great what you’ve done, no one can question that,” he underscored while marvelling at the pieces.

One artist, Aelisha Garnett-Williams said that she had over 20 pieces at the exhibition. She expressed that art, for her, was a means of expressing herself and helping her through trying times.
Michael Griffith, another artist, related that he seeks to speak about certain topics such as gender issues and abuse through his art. “From aa personal perspective, art is an escape,” he said while noting that he had about 26 pieces on display.

A second year student at the University of Guyana, Chelsea Ramotar highlighted that she wanted to make art more popular in Guyana. She related that the number of people who pursue the subject area are few, but she envisages herself displaying her art at many more exhibitions.

The opening held last night, June 19, was well-attended. US Ambassador Perry Holloway, Chilean Ambassador Claudio Rojas and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and his wife Sandra, who had her own art on display were among those in attendance
All of the pieces can be viewed and in some cases, brought, at the Umana Yana from 10:00hours to 17:00hours everyday and on Saturday, June 24, from 14:30 hours to 19:00hours.