United we stand
Togetherness in Guyana by Philip Moore.
Togetherness in Guyana by Philip Moore.

The recent killing of George Floyd in America has caused outrage around the globe. His death has highlighted the age-old issue of racism. Racism is everywhere! Although many of us live in multi-ethnic societies, we have experienced racism in some form. It varies depending on the circumstance or situation. As Americans boldly express their outrage, I see many Guyanese sharing their personal experiences with racism locally on social media. It saddens me to think that we seem to be fighting a never-ending battle. For centuries we’ve been trapped in this cycle. One would have hoped that after gaining Independence, the people in a nation would stand together for a common goal. I guess all of that is wishful thinking.

Even our electronic devices have emojis of different colours to represent different races. The question is, do you get offended if someone uses an emoji that doesn’t represent his/her colour? Does that make you racist? Racism isn’t innate; it is learned. As I study art and the meaning of colours and how, for example, dark colours are sometimes associated with dirt or uncleanness, I realise that some form of racism is being taught.

As I reflect on everything that is happening, I remember a painting entitled ‘Togetherness in Guyana’ by Philip Moore. Philip Moore was a sculptor and painter who was concerned with the maintenance of an Afro Caribbean memory through art. He displayed visual activism and reformulation of black consciousness in his work. As I look at ‘Togetherness in Guyana’, the first thing I noticed was the dancing figures. They occupy mostly the border of the painting. These figures, holding hands, are painted in a variety of colours. We see different shades of brown, yellow and white. In my opinion, this was Philip’s way of representing different races. I find it quite striking that he used white for some of the figures. Let’s face it, “white people” aren’t “white.” However, after some consideration, I realised that if he hadn’t done so, many, including myself would assume that “white people” were not included. This brought to the fore my deeply ingrained negative mindset that attaches colour to identity.

There is a dark spot in the middle of the painting. Curved broken lines are emanating from the centre. These lines form a swirl pattern. As I analyse the piece in its entirety, I imagine these broken lines as threads holding us together. The background appears to be a quilted patchwork with different motifs (a decorative image or design). In my opinion, it represents the varying racial cultures. The variety of colours and visual movement (an art principle that uses lines to create movement. There is a particular point of focus in the painting. Each line directs the viewer to another area of the same work) creates a happy mood in the painting. This painting embodies what it means to be your brother’s keeper.

As Americans make their voices heard, let’s understand that they cannot do it alone. When we stand with them, we are also helping to curb racism locally, regionally and internationally. Together we can bring an end to racism. We have to unite to achieve this goal.

“United we stand divided we fall,” Aesop.
This painting is part of the National collection at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House.

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