Amerindian Art Exhibition 2024 seeking to celebrate and showcase

A VIBRANT blend of creativity and culture takes centre stage once again at this year’s Art Exhibition celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month. Over a dozen artists and sculptors have their work on display at Castellani House throughout September. The annual collaboration between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Castellani House showcases some of Guyana’s finest creatives from all corners of the country.

From traditional garments to breathtaking sculptures and paintings that offer a glimpse into indigenous traditions, this year’s exhibition has received a great reception from the public, with several pieces already sold. Pekahiah James, the curator of the event for the second time, says the mission remains consistent: to provide Guyanese artists with a platform and offer visitors an opportunity to experience their creative expressions of Indigenous culture, ultimately bringing people closer to that heritage. Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, Pekahiah elaborated, “The exhibition focuses on the heritage and culture of the indigenous people of Guyana, encompassing all nine nations.”

Inclusion is a defining theme this year, with more artists participating than in previous years. Unlike past exhibitions, more crafters and their works were included. By featuring fewer pieces from a larger number of crafters, the exhibition allows for broader exposure. Pekahiah explained, “We’ve reached out to craftspersons and asked them to submit their best work. Instead of having entire collections, we’ve limited it to about one to three pieces each.”

She further added, “For this particular year, we had to reach out to the artists to see what sort of works they had available, whether or not it fit the theme, and then select works based on that.”

The exhibition, held under the theme “Many Voices, One Song,” embodies the celebration of unity in diversity. Pekahiah shared her interpretation: “The idea of ‘Many Voices, One Song’ reflects how we can gather so many perfect examples of Indigenous heritage, traditions, and cultures and combine them into this beautiful presentation.”

She further added that the exhibition serves as a bridge connecting Guyanese across the country, allowing those in the capital to experience a slice of life from the Rupununi or Pomeroon. “Unless you’re willing to make that trip to Indigenous villages or go out of your way to be involved in Indigenous activities, it’s not something you can experience on a day-to-day basis,” Pekahiah noted.

The exhibition showcases diversity through pieces made from different mediums, each with its own meaning, representation, and interpretation. One standout piece, a favourite of Pekahiah’s, is “The rain stick” by McKernan Albert. This interactive installation has captivated most visitors. “It’s suspended from the ceiling, and you can tilt it left or right to hear the sound it makes. I had the time of my life with it,” Pekahiah enthused.

As a successful visual artist in her own right, Pekahiah emphasises the importance of public support. The response this year has been particularly encouraging, with more people reaching out to support the exhibit. “People appreciate that we’ve limited the number of crafts this year. They can clearly see the focus is on craftsmanship, which is exactly what we intended to highlight,” she shared.

The annual event has garnered interest from various artists, both veterans and newcomers. While new artists see it as a way to gain exposure, there are those whose work is featured yearly. Pekahiah explained, “For Indigenous artists who might not have access to a platform, this annual exhibition gives them something to prepare for, to showcase their traditions, culture, and pride.”

The inspiring exhibit is also a personal venture for Pekahiah. Having graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts two years ago, she sees this as the next step in her already vibrant career. “I felt the administrative side of the art field is where I could probably do the most and help the most. I’m still learning as a curator,” she admitted.

For those hoping to glimpse a vital part of Guyana’s diverse cultural tapestry, the exhibit is open to the public during afternoon hours. Pekahiah urges visitors to appreciate the value, intricacies, and significance of every piece, understanding that each one brings them closer to a different culture. She concluded, “People often undervalue the arts, and I think that comes from a lack of understanding of its importance. Here, you are seeing traditions, heritage, culture, and years of craftsmanship passed down through generations.”

The “Many Voices, One Song” theme resonates throughout the exhibition, highlighting the unity within diversity that characterises Guyana’s indigenous peoples. For Pekahiah and the artists involved, this exhibition is more than just a display of art – it’s a bridge between past and present, a dialogue between cultures, and a celebration of identity. As the month of September progresses, the hope is that each visitor will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of Amerindian heritage, carrying with them a piece of this rich cultural tapestry.