Born in the North Rupununi village of Annai, 27-year-old Anil Roberts is an emerging Guyanese artist and a direct descendant of the Makusi Amerindian nation.
Being raised by Makusi parents in the rolling grasslands of the Rupununi, Anil fondly remembers his childhood experiences with his three siblings. “Growing up in that area was both fun and difficult at the same time,” he recollected.
He revealed that running around the savannah, fishing and farming were the common pastimes of every child growing up in his community.
“Those were the happiest times of my life,” he announced.
From early in his life, Anil recalls traditions playing a major role in his family as he and his siblings were taught to hunt, as well as the intricacies of dwelling construction and, most importantly, how to survive in the manner the Makusi nation was accustomed to for generations.
I’m proud that I know the traditional practices of the Makusi nation, including the language spoken.” Roberts stated.
He attended St.Ignatius Secondary School and, upon graduating in 1999, made his first expedition, along with his father, into Georgetown to enroll in the Burrowes School of Arts.
“I did a lot of drawing growing up and with that ability I decided that I wanted to attend the art school, which I learnt about from a relative.”
Roberts first ventured into Georgetown as a passenger on a ‘Bedford’ truck when he was 17years old.
After staying at the Amerindian Hostel for a short time, he enrolled at the Borrowes School of Art.
“It was new and difficult at first,” the young artist remembers.
Anil spent four years at the art school, from 1999 – 2003, perfecting and honing his artistic abilities and finally graduated from the reputable establishment at the top of his class.
He then enrolled at the University of Guyana in pursuit of a Degree in Fine Arts, which he achieved after earnest efforts and diligent application of his abilities.
Since that time, Mr. Anil Roberts’ artwork has been on display at important venues in the city, including the mural at Iwokrama Field Station, the Giant Sloth exhibition room at the National Museum and the mural at the University of Guyana , titled ‘Palace of the Peacock’ ( both collaborations with Philbert Gajadhar and George Simon) to name a few.
Even after spending most of his teenage life in Georgetown, Roberts emphasized that he has not forgotten his roots or the traditions of his foreparents.
He said, “If I had to, I would still be able to survive the way the Makusi did before; I would hunt and provide for my family in the traditional way.”
“I am a proud Makusi” he announced.