Introducing one of Guyana’s most promising new artists, Roberto Teekah

By Marissa V. Foster

ROBERTO Anthony Teekah’s work is no stranger to social media and the young Guyanese generation. He has painted a legacy for himself through canvases and is a true inspiration for many other up-and-coming young artists. Roberto was always a quiet and reserved child who preferred reading and watching nature documentaries over playing sports or socialising with friends. His imagination was untamable and he spent many hours daydreaming about the wildest of scenarios. Roberto has been drawing, painting, and creating ever since he can remember; it has always been something natural to him. He attended the Bishop’s High School (BHS), where even though he focused on Science subjects, he also had the chance to nurture his love for art. The Visual Arts curriculum offered at BHS is truly unmatched in his opinion. Teekah is thankful for both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that the school has to offer. Sadly enough, he stressed that many other art students do not usually get exposed to that kind of teaching. He was always taught to never settle for mediocrity and to push to become a better version of himself. Ultimately, those lessons continue to push him forward– into the successful artist he is today.

When asked what challenges he faced throughout his journey, he explained that it was deciding between art and science. This task became even harder after he completed CAPE at Bishop’s. Teekah was indecisive about the direction in which he wanted to go and he felt pressured to make a “hasty” decision. In that frenzy, Roberto registered for the University of Guyana. After a week-long period at the university, he was bombarded with the emotions of unfulfilled, empty and uncomfortable. He eventually realised that he shouldn’t have rushed into such an important decision and decided to take some much-needed time off. During that period, his art truly blossomed rapidly, and he realised that is exactly what he needs to be doing. Teekah finally felt that sense of fulfilment that he was longing for. At this point, he decided to continue his tertiary education, but at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art.

“I wouldn’t say my journey has been easy, but it also hasn’t been as difficult as I’d imagine,” stressed Roberto. Yes, he has faced a lot of internal conflicts and pressure from society, but that was balanced out by the amount of support and positivity that he has been given by well-wishers, supporters and even strangers. He is very grateful for every compliment and also every bit of criticism because they allowed him to grow as an artist and as an individual. Today, he is currently a second-year student at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, pursuing a Diploma in Fine Arts. Roberto works mostly through commissions from customers and he tries to pursue any creative opportunities that cross his path.

Thus far, he has participated in many creative shows/exhibitions including ‘Filling the Void’, and the GVACE 2019. He explained that his biggest accomplishment is receiving the Promise Award at the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition 2019. He has never been one to plan out a future arduously, but Roberto would like to continue his art education at the University of Guyana, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts; but if another, better opportunity arises he might be open to it. Whatever decision he makes, the ultimate goal and number one priority is his very own happiness and contentment. He thinks too many people spend their entire lives chained to monotonous routines and he does not intend on being one of them-life is too short.

Roberto would like to advise other young and upcoming artists by saying, “You should recognise the power that you possess. Artists historically have always been the vanguards of society, and that has never changed. Society will often portray us as dropouts and dreamers, but we are much more than that. An artist is a free spirit, a radical thinker, a mover and shaper of society, an intellectual. Use your art as your voice, use it as a weapon- learn to speak and write about your work, never let anyone talk down to you or your art. Look at artists like Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Look at our own Guyanese artists- Bernadette Persaud and Stanley Greaves. These are all brilliant minds that could easily outperform any conventional textbook-thinker. Realise your true potential and develop it to the best of your ability.”