PERE ET FILS

FEATURE

Père et Fils FeaturingBoscoe Holder

Campbells of London is currently hosting an exhibition entitled ‘Père et Fils’, created to showcase some of Boscoe Holder’s final, unseen pieces, and Christian Holder’s most recent, heartfelt work.

Boscoe Holder was Trinidad and Tobago's leading contemporary painter, with a concurrent celebrated international career as a designer, dancer, choreographer and musician. This joint exhibition by Boscoe and his son is an opportunity to delve into the minds of both. Some of Boscoe’s final, unseen works are featured, including a selection of unique drawings never exhibited during the artist's lifetime. His style beautifully captures the physical appearance of his subject, whilst simultaneously telling the story of their character. Boscoe’s drawings, created whenever inspiration came, not only capture the moment but also give us insight into his vision.

A wide selection of Christian’s latest works, which comprise memorable scenes from his time in Trinidad, are also on display. His use of colour and ability to play with light create scenes full of intensity and drama. Father and son collaborated both musically and artistically over the years, and showcasing this work provides the chance to explore the creativity and style of the talented duo.

Christian said, “So often, on visits to Trinidad, dad would say, ‘Christian! Let’s go paint!’ and off we’d go; sometimes only as far as his verdant garden. Then there were also excursions to Maracas and Blanchisseuse. Wonderful memories! My Trinidad paintings began mostly as sketches and acrylic renderings on paper, when Dad was alive. Their canvas manifestation began after my relocation to London eleven years ago.”

The artwork may be viewed on our Campbell’s of London website, www.campbellsoflondon.co.uk, or sent directly to you upon request. The exclusivity of this exhibition means that many pieces are already reserved; it would be advisable to act quickly if you would like the opportunity to purchase the work of one of the Caribbean’s best known artists.

Contact Campbell’s of London on +44 20 7584 9268 or at info@campbellsoflondon.co.uk.

RED DRESS BY BOSCOE HOLDER

FEATURE

Roger Robinson

WORDS | DUNSTAN CREAVALLE

In January of this year, Roger Robinson was announced as the 2019 winner of the prestigious T.S. Eliot prize for Poetry with his first nomination, a collection entitled A Portable Paradise, published by Peepal Tree Press. Then, in May, the book won the Royal Society of Literature (RSL), Ondaatje Prize. Roger is a writer and educator who has taught and performed worldwide, and an experienced workshop leader and lecturer on poetry. He was chosen by arts organisation Decibel as one of the 50 writers who have influenced the Black British writing canon.

Soca News caught up with Roger recently, and asked him a few questions:

In what ways has the success of A Portable Paradise impacted you?

Recognition from the poetry industry is always good, in that it can open doors where you can get on with making effective change socially and emotionally for people with less privilege. I’d been writing for 25 year without any major prizes, and trust me I still have to clean dishes, take out the rubbish and play with my son. I think what’s changed is that I’m taken more seriously, not just in literature but in other fields too that require poetic narrative, like talks and TV.

What plans do you have for Black History Month?

None; no one ever books me for anything for Black History Month. I know, I think it’s weird too. Black History Month is a con if all that’s talked about is American Black History. Name five Black British people who fought for Black rights. It’s ok I’ll wait. Trust me, they are there, but they’re not taught to us as a tactic of eras.

What are your feelings about the impact of COVID-19 on Black people?

COVID will always kill the least protected, and Black people are always the least protected. The bigger question is: why are we always the least protected? Then you’d have to get into the devaluation of black bodies.

A PORTABLE PARADISE

And if I speak of Paradise, then I’m speaking of my grandmother who told me to carry it always on my person, concealed, so no one else would know but me. That way they can’t steal it, she’d say. And if life puts you under pressure, trace its ridges in your pocket, smell its piney scent on your handkerchief, hum its anthem under your breath. And if your stresses are sustained and daily, get yourself to an empty room – be it hotel, hostel or hovel – find a lamp and empty your paradise onto a desk: your white sands, green hills and fresh fish. Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope of morning, and keep staring at it till you sleep.

© Roger Robinson, from A Portable Paradise (Peepal Tree Press, £9.99)

For more information about Roger Robinson, visit https://rogerrobinsononline.com