Indigenous artist Dillon Craig shares how nature, culture, and mentorship shaped his work, and why Guyana’s art scene deserves more recognition

THE paintings, sculptures, and crafts of Guyanese Indigenous artists decorate the walls of Castellani House once again, amidst the Amerindian Heritage Month Art Exhibition. Among the more than thirty pieces of art and various artists being featured is Dillon Craig.
The twenty-eight-year-old creative has been putting paint to canvas and creating captivating pieces for as long as he can remember. A full-time artist whose works have been sold to diplomats and art enthusiasts internationally, Dillon says that art is vital to life, and although Guyana has a strong and growing art landscape, more appreciation for art is needed.
Most of the paintings that currently cover the exhibition walls of Castellani House are Dillon’s. Born and raised in Caria Caria, a riverine community along the bank of the Essequibo River, Dillon has always had a unique perspective on Guyana’s biodiversity.

Through his work, he not only highlights Guyana’s natural beauty but also tells stories, utilising powerful creativity and even greater subjects to transform his canvas into an immersive experience.
“I would have been exposed to nature from a very tender age. So, it has played a very critical role in terms of my artistic ability, in terms of the strength of my artistic pillar,” he added. “Growing up in the riverine area, I would have had that direct connection with nature, the waterways, the creeks, flora and fauna, animals. Those are some of the things that influence my work.”
But Dillon’s work extends beyond painting. He is also a skilled mixed-media artist who utilises a variety of materials to bring his pieces to life. While today he can work with any medium, from wooden sculptures to leathercraft, he began quite uniquely and authentically—with the moco-moco leaf.
“I would have used some of the natural materials from my environment to create art. One would be the moco-moco. I used to make boots and stuff from moco-moco. I also used cardboard to craft small pieces so that, as a child, you could play with it. It was also very easy to work with because, as a child, you wouldn’t have access to a sharp knife or those kinds of things. Those are some of the materials that I used to work with from very small.” He added, “I probably would have leaned more towards being a sculptor, but as I grew older, I also fell in love with painting.”
For more than a decade, Dillon has worked on giving his art a unique style and look. Today, he is part of the moving circle of artists and several other creative groups, learning and teaching among his fellow artists.
Dillon says he owes much of what he knows today to his mentors, with one of his biggest being famed Guyanese painter and internationally acclaimed artist Winslow Craig.
“Art is a natural part of me, but I would also have to express my gratitude to a couple of persons who would have moulded me, or who would have refined my skill, who would have played a critical role in terms of encouraging me. One of the persons would actually be my uncle, who’s a famous guy and an artist, Winslow Craig. He’s one of my greatest inspirations.”
He further added, “We’d look at each other’s work, and we would talk about it. And I think it actually played a great role in moulding me and allowing me to become the person I am today as an artist.”
However, appreciation for art remains a significant challenge for Guyanese creatives. As Dillon highlights, art is central to society, being part of everyday life, but professional art is still underappreciated in his opinion.
He expressed that while, on the surface, his art, like all others, may seem easy to achieve, it requires hours of work and years of expertise.
“Art plays a very critical role in society, but I think that it’s basically, I guess I would say, behind the scenes. I think it needs to come more to the forefront. I think persons need to appreciate art more. I would say art is basically everywhere; everything is basically art. Art plays a very, very fundamental role in society. I think it should be more appreciated.”
The hurdle of achieving notoriety for artists is why exhibitions like the one Dillon is currently part of are so important.
“I think exhibitions like this are very important for us as Indigenous artists because they allow us to know more about ourselves and our art, to experience our rich culture, and to get a better understanding of what we do as artists, especially as indigenous artists. So I think we play a key role.
“Exhibitions like these are very much needed, especially to highlight the fact that they allow us to know more about ourselves, our culture, where we’re at, and where we’re currently heading.”
Running up until the end of September, the exhibition is open to the public and gives visitors a chance to interact with artists.
“I would also like to invite, for instance, everyone to the ongoing exhibition here at Castellani House. It will be throughout the month of September, so you guys could come out and see some of our work that is currently on display.
“You might even have a chance to chat with the artist if he is here at that time. It’s not just painting. We have a variety of artwork on display, like sculptures, fine craft, paintings. And I am sure if you come out to this exhibition, you would not be disappointed.”