LOVERS of art last Saturday got the opportunity to admire unique art forms at the first FineArt Guyana art exhibition titled, ‘Beyond the Brush’.

Hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, the exhibition featured art by popular local and regional artists, ranging from digital artists, to painters, and sculptors.

This event saw 40 talented artists gaining recognition for their work.

This week, the Buzz was able to speak with three of the artists who participated in the event.

According to Christina Izbasa, a local illustrator and painter, ‘Beyond the Brush’ was her first major exhibition and was also an opportunity for her to market herself.

“I’d always either been terrified by the idea or hadn’t anything notable to show, so I stayed away from the art scene for a long time,” she related.

The artist noted that she was able to make some lasting connections with persons who attended.

In addition to the questions asked by everyone who saw her art, Christina also got some commission proposals, which she emphasised was a great thing.

In terms of feedback, Christina received a lot of it from attendees who said that the exhibition was organised and very engaging.

“Feedback from fellow artists and patrons regarding the work I presented…high interest in the technical aspect of them. They asked so many questions about what tools I used to achieve the details within the pieces. They asked about what goes on in my head when I did the pieces. Lots of people were fascinated by them and that brought all the curious questions. I loved it,” she said.

Although this artist promotes her own work on social media, she said she felt that ‘Beyond the Brush’ would help to bring more attention to her work.

“My main objective was to show what I can actually do, so I put my best foot forward in preparation for this exhibition.”

UNIQUE POSTCARDS

Christina is a proud artist.

Reflecting on how her journey began in 2020, she said she put pen to paper and scribbled an idea down.

“I joked with my partner that I should draw a Santa Claus speeding down the road on a donkey cart. Well, that idea came to life on paper. Then several other ideas did as well.

“I really wanted something different out there. Something different and something that would appeal to Guyanese hearts, so, I added a little bit of Guyanese essence into each of them,” she recalled.

Her postcards were made with the hope of reducing paper waste. These cards are left empty, except for the images on them, so that each person can personalize their greetings.

Although there were many hiccups, the cards emerged a success.

Christina said she is forever grateful for the support she received, and noted that since then, she has been able to meet customer demand.

The most popular folding card designs are the coffee and black cake, and the pepperpot and bread.

This year, Christina said she will be creating new designs which she hopes will also receive a positive feedback.

“I won’t say what it is just yet. It’s a surprise but it’s an older tradition that many will remember doing during Christmas,” she teased.

Persons interested in purchasing Christina’s work can do so by reaching out to her on Facebook under the name Christina Izbașa and on Instagram @csavannai.

YOUNG CREATIVE

Meanwhile, fellow Guyanese artist Akeem King also known as Akeem Powers is one of Guyana’s young creatives. Akeem is a digital designer/ creator and photographer.

For him, being a part of ‘Beyond the Brush’ was an honour. It provided him with the opportunity to be a part of something he has always wanted to be in.

Akeem’s journey in the world of creativity began as an artist before he moved on to do other things.

This, he noted, is what influenced the only themed piece of the three submissions he made. The other two submissions were paintings.

“It was difficult selecting which of my work to display but I’m happy with the work nevertheless,” he told Buzz.

His advice to those interested in entering the local creative industry is to, “Start now, and with what you have. It can lead to a very unique art style in the future and you’ll have a drive and special appreciation for the heart that’s put in it.”

Those interested in seeing more of Akeem’s work, can contact him either through his Instagram @akeempowers or his email akeempowers@gmail.com

TRINIDADIAN TALENT

Trinidadian artist, Abigail Mark, also known as ‘Sangolaja’, was also a part of the exhibition.

In an invited comment, Sangolaja noted that her work in art stems from an interest she had since childhood. She noted that she has done graphics design and is also a make-up artist.

She remarked that many people at the ‘Beyond the Brush’ event were drawn to her artwork because of the colours, shades and tones in her paintings.

Her art include spiritual paintings and portraits, and can be shipped to you.

The process of packaging and shipping are completely hands on, as she provides regular updates through video to her customers, no matter their location.

You can find Sangolaja’s paintings on Instagram and Facebook @sangolajaosunkunkeonakomaya.