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Rather than writing an editorial message, I will use this space to highlight the fact that in 2019 at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, 2021 was declared the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. This is interesting news for Creatives, and below I will share an edited version of an article which was published on 13 January 2021 on the UNCTAD.org site, https://unctad.org/news/creative-economy-have-its-yearsun-2021. "After a year of pandemic-induced lockdowns, there couldn’t be a better time to Jill McIntyre appreciate the creative economy. The United Nations is doing just this as it Newsletter Editor marks 2021 as the International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. As the coronavirus pandemic closed traditional areas of life, many people took up a craft, read books, watched endless series and films, connected to digital concerts, or shopped online for the latest fashion. They helped sustain the creative economy, which is finally having its day – or more accurately, year – in the sun. In November 2020, the UN adopted resolution A/RES/74/198, declaring 2021 the “International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development”. Tabled by Indonesia, it was backed by 81 countries, a ringing endorsement of an often misunderstood and misrepresented piece of the global economy. UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Isabelle Durant said the resolution was timely. “The creative industries are critical to the sustainable development agenda. They stimulate innovation and diversification, are an important factor in the burgeoning services sector, support entrepreneurship, and contribute to cultural diversity,” she said. The creative and cultural industries have also played a major role in mediating the digital transformation happening globally, and more so since COVID-19 pushed us online in unprecedented numbers. “When the resolution was being negotiated and approved, no one could have anticipated what the intervening year would hold: a status quo-shattering pandemic,” said Marisa Henderson, UNCTAD's creative economy programme head. “But more than ever, we need creative thinking, innovation and problem-solving to imagine ourselves out of the challenges of inequality and vulnerability that we face daily. The creative industries, the lifeblood of the creative economy, are well placed to help.” The resolution recognizes that the creative economy has the potential to support developing countries and
The term Orange Economy, or the Creative Economy, was coined in 2011 by British writer John Howkins. It refers to the economy of ideas, art, culture, events, music, gastronomy, theatre... basically human talent! /cont'd...
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countries with economies in transition in diversifying production and exports and to deliver sustainable development in an inclusive and equitable manner. COVID-19 has dealt a terrible blow to the creative industries, which employ more than 30 million people globally, mostly young people. UNCTAD has tracked trade in creative goods and services for close to 20 years, during which the growth rate of creative economy exports has often outpaced that of other industries. “No new estimates are available for the creative economy in 2020 yet but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prospects look bleak,” Ms. Henderson said. “Hence the urgent need to both promote and protect the creative industries especially in the decade we have left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she added. “Without them, the economic development, women’s empowerment, and cultural and poverty alleviation targets within the SDGs are unlikely to be met.”
The Barbados Registry of Artistes and Cultural Workers is an initiative by the Government of Barbados of which the Ministry of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports has lead responsibility. The Registry serves the purpose of facilitating access of artistes, cultural practitioners, cultural entrepreneurs and cultural workers to the benefits provided in the Cultural Industries Development Act. The Registry also serves as a database of all participants in the local Cultural Industries and will facilitate development of the cultural industries, through continuous research and updated information. The Registration and Certification processes are facilitated by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF). You will be required to complete this registration process only ONCE. You can of course request an update of your relevant information, e.g. change contact details, add new accolades, as needed. You can save your profile at any time, and continue at another time. Certification’ refers to the receipt of the certificate which identifies the artiste as bona fide. This certification allows the holder to access the benefits to cultural industries participants under the Cultural Industries Development Act. Please note that only tax benefits are immediate, duty-free concessions and grants require a further application process which you can read about at the site: www.ncfbusinessdevelopment.com.
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Petra Toyin Haynes is a multi-talented, multidisciplinary artist and Art Educator. She describes herself as a Creative Practitioner and says that her creations exemplify extensions of herself or, in most instances, are direct selfportraits. Petra (pronounced Peetra), has been involved in the Visual Arts and Culture for most of her life. She has been a Visual Arts Teacher at Barbadian secondary schools since 2004; she participates in the creation of theatrical productions particularly in art direction, costume and make-up; she has worked as an NCF Co-ordinator for several arts and culture events; as a Queens Park Visual Arts Gallery Attendant; as a curator for many art exhibitions; and has taught several workshops on various creative pursuits such as mural painting, make-up, mask making and costume design. Petra also sits on the Executive Committee of the Barbados Arts Council. She manifested artistic talent from early childhood and tells us that “even as a toddler, I would ‘mark-up’ or etch images on walls, furniture, plants, etc. with anything that would leave a mark. My parents quickly sought materials that would be appropriate for me to express myself artistically.”
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Petra Toyin Haynes, Creative Practitioner
Petra describes being creative as a Calling, and she explores various media and techniques to best execute what she desires to portray. African influences in her work are demonstrative of a childhood spent in Nigeria. “My core motivation to paint, sculpt, develop masks, jewellery, dolls and costume design stems from my formative years spent in Nigeria. Oyo State Ilesha, is where I was conceived (my Barbadian parents taught there for 8 years). I’ve been exposed to the culture innately, I grew up in a home with art and sculpture from Nigeria and other artifacts from the continent. Nigerian/African art and culture has a significant influence in my life as a creative practitioner and educator.” “I’ve been strongly influenced by the country’s artistic expressions, motifs and symbols found primarily in masks, sculpture and fashion. The journey is infinite, as I continue to identify and express myself spiritually, mentally, physically, racially, socially, culturally and sexually. These expressions are evident in my abstract/surreal art forms and themes. Petra tells us that she has also been influenced by other artists/creatives such as her tutors and mentors Leroy Clarke (Trinidad - 2001 BCC school tour with Dr. Nancy Jacobs), Ras Akyem Ramsay, Kenneth ‘Black’ Blackman, Ras Ishi Butcher, Omowale Stewart, Stanley Greaves, Annalee Davis, Sonia Williams and Djibathen Sambou (Senegal - Biennial Dak’Art art tour 2006 NCF). She describes their works as bold, honest, exaggerated, timeless and mysterious. She is intrigued by identity and performance, and her work focuses on Surrealism, abstraction, self -portraits, masks and masquerade/costuming, African history and culture. /cont'd...
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When asked whether she has a favourite place or location to visit for inspiration, Petra replied, “No, it’s all mental, however, being anywhere outdoors with nature helps.” Her creative working process starts with an idea, and depending on the idea, one of her pieces can take days or even several years to complete. “Once I get an idea, I play around with it exploring various media, choosing the appropriate methods to bring it into reality; be it in a painting, a doll, a mask, limestone or wood sculpture… whatever best suits the idea.” Petra says her creative process is ongoing/infinite, where several pieces are generating, developing, and evolving simultaneously. When questioned about her favourite medium, Petra replied, “If I had to choose a favourite medium the other ones would get jealous. I enjoy working in several media, as long as I am being creative I embrace the process no matter the challenge or outcome. However, I enjoy incorporating found materials into my work such as banana shag, coconut fibre, seeds, shells, small stones, beads pieces of fabric, etc.” She believes her work has evolved through general life experiences, coupled with patience and gratitude. In her opinion, the art scene in Barbados deserves a greater need of acknowledgment, respect and professionalism. “Without art we wouldn't have a lot of things. I tell my students someone thought of the bag you carry, the shoes you wear, the devices you have to play the games
you like even the game itself someone designed and created it. We have to implement better strategies to keep our creative culture alive. It begins with love of self and identity.” Over the years, Petra says she has received good advice from other artists such as Omowale Stewart, Don Small and Mark Maynard regarding murals. Some pithy pieces of counsel were more memorable than others. She attributes “Consistency and patience not said but shown” to Kenneth ‘Black’ Blackman; “Be vigilant” to Andrea Wells; “Be humble” to Ayissa Burnett; and “Make hay while the sun shines” to Francilla Haynes (Mother Dearest). Petra’s plans for the future include a more intensive involvement in Film – particularly Art Direction, as she believes that Film encompasses all creative forms. The following page shows more of Petra's art works, and one of Petra's body casts is featured on the front cover of this newsletter. /cont'd...
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On this page are more photos of Petra's work. She is a multi-talented, multidisciplinary Creative Practitioner and Art Educator who explores different media for self expression.
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A Brief History written by Virgil Broodhagen
Virgil Broodhagen
Karl Broodhagen
I, Virgil Broodhagen was hired by Henri Van der Putten on October 10th, 1970 to work for The Government of Canada on the recording of historic buildings at Fort Lennox National Historic Site, Ile-Aux-Noix, Quebec, Canada. Fort Lennox was built between 1819 and 1829. I came up with the idea of the exhibition, during my stay at Fort Lennox. The paintings were done in my Motel Room, in the nearby town of St. Blaise-Sur-Richelieu in the evenings and after work on weekends. On completion, the paintings were packed in a large wooden box and transported to Air Canada Cargo, Dorval, Quebec near Montreal. Imagine a large wooden box protruding from the trunk of my 1966 Ford Fairlane, being driven along the highway to Dorval. Luckily, I was not stopped by the Quebec Provincial Police and asked to reveal the contents of the box. I do not remember having tools to facilitate this request if asked. The paintings reached Barbados and were exhibited at the Barbados Arts Council’s Gallery at The Hilton Hotel Complex, in December 1971. I did not attend the first exhibition, but I cannot remember why. From 1972 until 1998 the exhibition was hosted at The Barbados Arts Council Gallery at the Pelican Village. During this period the late Governors General Sir Hugh Springer, Dame Nita Barrow and Sir Clifford Husbands were invited to the exhibition and they did attend. Sir Hugh Springer was a patron of The Barbados Arts Council. Family friends, Dame Billie Miller and Dr. George Lamming, also attended the exhibition during its 50-year history. In 1998 Miss Universe, Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad and Tobago also visited the exhibition during her reign. On one occasion during this period a third Broodhagen, cousin Marjorie Broodhagen of Guyana showed with my father and myself. Being located close to The Bridgetown Port, The Barbados Arts Council’s Pelican Village location provided The Broodhagens’ Exhibition with exposure and sales to many visitors who came to Barbados on cruise vessels. Thanks to the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Annette Warden, the late Mrs. Maureen Ifill and staff members of the Council for their help in providing information and promoting sales on behalf of the artists involved. The Pelican Village Complex was demolished towards the end of 1998 to facilitate new construction of the complex. As a result, The Broodhagens’ Exhibition was relocated to the Grande Salle, now the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle located at the Central Bank of Barbados. The Broodhagens’ Exhibition was therefore held at The Grande Salle from 1999 until 2003. /cont'd...
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In January of 1998, I had a chance meeting on a 9:00 p.m. flight from Toronto to Barbados, with a gentleman by the name of Norman Bridges. Norm was a retired Air Canada employee, and his wife Susan was employed by Air Canada at that time. This meeting was significant because I met a large number of friends of the Bridges who were frequent visitors to Barbados. They in turn became my friends and became significant contributors, not only by their presence and encouragement but by many purchases made over the years, while attending The Broodhagens’ exhibition. The Exhibition was an annual affair that they chose not to miss. From its inception The Broodhagens’ Annual Exhibition Countless persons have enjoyed the Broodhagens' has had a devoted following of interested Barbadians as Annual Art Exhibition over the years well as short and long stay visitors to Barbados. The Broodhagens’ Annual Art Exhibition has become an important event on the calendar of those who attended, and it provides an important link between Barbadians and our visiting friends. Visitors to the exhibition have had the experience of viewing several sculptures by Karl Broodhagen. Many persons remain in awe of his paintings of the old Barbadian landscapes and portraits. Virgil’s paintings, depicting “old Barbadian scenes” have captivated visitors to the exhibition for fifty years. As an educational tool, art teachers from various schools have brought young students to view and experience the works of art that were on display. My longtime friend Hartford Charles always planned his vacation from his professorial duties at The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada to coincide with the exhibition enabling him to provide assistance in various aspects of the exhibition. On a sad note, my father Karl Broodhagen died on August 21st, 2002 and my sister Tranquilene Broodhagen died on September 23rd, 2002. Despite this, the 2002 Annual Exhibition was staged at The Grand Salle. This was not to show disrespect to the beloved deceased, but I was confident in my belief that they would have approved. A scheduling discrepancy brought an end to the use of The Grande Salle and 2003 was the last year that the exhibition was held at The Grande Salle. From 2004 The Broodhagens’ exhibition found a home at The Main Guard which was managed by Colonel Florence Gittens. Colonel Gittens and staff were very helpful in accommodating the needs of the exhibition. I am happy to say that The Broodhagens’ Exhibition has maintained its place at The Main Guard, thanks to The Barbados Defence Force Chief of Staff, his staff, Mr. Winfield Boyce and the staff of The Main Guard. On November 27th, 2017, my mother Mrs. Eunice Broodhagen died. Once again, the exhibition was not postponed or cancelled. No disrespect intended. /cont'd...
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Acting Governor General Sir Philip Greaves and former Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson attended the 2017 opening function and spent most of the evening with approximately 125 guests who were present. The Broodhagens gained international exposure, through Mercia M.T. Grassi, Professor Emerita, Drexell University, Philadelphia, Curator of The Caribbean Artists Today Collection which opened in 1991 at Drexell University, Philadelphia to celebrate their centennial. That exhibition was also mounted in Washington D.C. to celebrate that city’s bicentennial. In 1992 the same exhibition formed part of The Italian Government’s celebration of the Quincentenary of Christopher Columbus, staged in Florence, Italy. Further to this, works of art by The Broodhagens can be found in public collections at Drexell University, Philadelphia; The Villa Nova University, Pennsylvania; Casa del Caribe, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and The United Nations House in Barbados. The permanent collection at The United Nations House in Barbados was established in 1992, in honour of Karl Broodhagen. The Broodhagens’ are grateful to all those who contributed to their success over the past 50 years by way of: their management; presence; encouragement; guidance; assistance; setup; transportation; secretarial assistance; catering; bar management; entertainment and or purchases. This is not the end. The Broodhagens’ Exhibition must go on. Special thanks to The Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Culture;The Barbados National Art Gallery; Miss. Alissandra Cummins and Dr. Allison Thompson. The Broodhagens regret the loss of friends of The Broodhagens Exhibition, who are no longer with us but shall always be in our hearts. The opening of the Broodhagens’ 50th Art Exhibition and Anniversary Celebration took place on Sunday, December 6th, 2020, and you are invited to enjoy viewing the event on Youtube.com at the following link:
https://youtu.be/sAgMBPLfbCg At right: A Father and Son moment... Karl watches over son Virgil as he examines his bust of his father.
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Enjoying 50 years of the Broodhagens' Annual Art Exhibition
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'Karl and Virgil Broodhagen: Celebrating 50 Years of the Broodhagens’ Exhibitions' researched and written by Dr. Allison Thompson, Tutor 1, Division of Fine Arts, Barbados Community College The Broodhagens, Karl and Virgil, father and son, have had an indelible impact on the cultural as well as the physical landscape of Barbados. The public monuments – the Emancipation Statue (Bussa), the statue of Grantley Adams, both by Karl Broodhagen and Sir Garfield Sobers (on which the father and son team collaborated) as well as the Cubana Monument at Paynes Bay, St. James designed by Virgil – all have become iconic landmarks. The annual exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures which has taken place every December since 1971 has also become an important marker. This year marks the 50th anniversary of their joint exhibitions and reminds us yet again of their enduring commitment to representing the people and places of this island. It is difficult to fully convey the unique, dynamic, multifaceted and central role Karl Broodhagen has played in the story of art in Barbados. Karl Broodhagen, known to many as “Broodie” was born in Georgetown Guyana (then British Guiana) on July 4th 1909. At the age of 15 he arrived in Barbados, accompanying his mother, and soon after began apprenticing as a tailor in Bridgetown. He eventually established a successful business as a tailor in Swan Street. His knowledge of the human form and proportion as well as drawing skills were essential to his trade but also translated into his interest in art. He taught himself to paint and sculpt and formed associations with other artists in the community. He assisted in the founding of the Art and Crafts Society, later the Arts Council and was instrumental in the establishment of the Arts Council’s gallery at Pelican Village. But Karl’s interests were always wide-ranging. He had a passion for learning and his interests were ecclectic. Karl Broodhagen truly was a Renaissance man. He was actively involved in scouting and stamp collecting and was accomplished in boxing, football and ballroom dancing. Over the course of several decades he compiled a series of scrap books which meticulously documented exhibitions and activities in the art community locally and throughout the region. This proved to be an invaluable resource for the writing of the art historical survey, “Art in Barbados.” Broodhagen also was a pioneer in the field of art education. In 1948 he was recruited by Major Noot, the headmaster at Combermere School, establishing the first art programme in a boys’ secondary school in Barbados. He spent five decades at Combermere, becoming a formative inspiration for several well known artists and designers, notably David Gall, Timothy Callender, Erskine Rose, Tyrone Mapp and his son, Virgil.
Dr. Allison Thompson is an Art Historian, Curator and Author
The Emancipation Statue (Bussa) /cont'd...
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'Karl and Virgil Broodhagen: Celebrating 50 Years of the Broodhagens’ Exhibitions' researched and written by Dr. Allison Thompson, Tutor 1, Division of Fine Arts, Barbados Community College In 1952 he was awarded a British Council Scholarship to study art at Goldsmiths College in London. In addition to his studies, Karl immersed himself in the renowned collections of the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as the many art galleries. He was a mature artist at this stage and he worked diligently to benefit as much as he could from this unique experience. He requested an extension so that he could complete his diploma at Goldsmiths but unfortunately the required funding was not forthcoming and so he returned to Barbados in 1954. While Karl depicted a wide range of subjects it is undoubtedly his portraits that hold a special place in the story of art in Barbados. Eminent public figures, famous writers, close friends and school children have all been immortalized in his paintings and sculptures. A portrait bust of John Beckles from the early 1950s, conveys a sensitive rendering of the man that captures not only his likeness but his wisdom and life experience, while other works such as Hartley a la Egyptienne, a portrait of artist and educator Hartley Alleyne reveal the artist’s love of classical and simplified forms. This extensive oeuvre produced over sixty years from the 1940s to the end of the twentieth century provides a rich and nuanced portrait of a nation in formation and in transition. At the same time, Karl Broodhagen was renowned throughout the Caribbean. He conducted classes in sculpture and gave demonstrations on how to model a head in Guyana, Trinidad, Grenada and Cayman Islands for the respective Art Associations in those countries. He also exhibited his work widely, including shows in Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Cuba as well as Mexico and London. He received a long list of accolades during his career including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 1977, the Gold Crown of Merit in 1982, and the Bronze Medal of Merit for International Excellence from Drexel University in 1991. That same year, the National Cultural Foundation presented him with an award for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Fine Arts in Barbados’ and the following year he received the award for ‘Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Developing the Arts’ from Shell Antilles in St. Lucia. In 1997 he was awarded a Degree of Doctor of Letters from the UWI Cave Hill. His works can be found in the collections of the Barbados Gallery of Art (formerly the Art Collection Foundation) and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. Karl was married to Marestine Viola Eunice (née Smith) for 59 years and she is represented in a number of his paintings and sculptures, although he would identify her using
The Garfield Sobers statue The Cubana Monument
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'Karl and Virgil Broodhagen: Celebrating 50 Years of the Broodhagens’ Exhibitions' researched and written by Dr. Allison Thompson, Tutor 1, Division of Fine Arts, Barbados Community College the poetic name ‘Modestina’. Together they had four children, a daughter, Tranquilene, and three sons, Virgil, Michael and Vincent who died in infancy. It was his son Virgil, born on September 1st, 1943, who would follow his father’s artistic path. Attending Combermere School, he studied art under his father and distinguished himself by being the first student in the Eastern Caribbean to attain an Advanced Level certificate in sculpture. After studies at the Barbados Technical Institute Virgil emigrated to Canada at the end of 1966, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Manitoba. The focus of Virgil’s paintings has always been scenes of Barbadian life, the physical features of both city and rural life as well as the activities that take place there. The works summon in viewers a knowing familiarity and nostalgia but also serve as a rich archive of shared experiences and much loved scenes that define a communal cultural experience. Virgil has exhibited these works locally and internationally across Canada and the US as well as in the United Kingdom and Italy. His work can be found in private and public collections including the Barbados National Collection, the Barbados Gallery of Art and the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. Mercia M.T. Grassi, Professor Emerita at Drexell University in Philadelphia and founding curator of The Caribbean Artists Today Collection was a particularly active supporter of his work, ensuring his representation in the collections of the Villa Nova University in Pennsylvania, Casa del Caribe in Santiago de Cuba and the United Nations House in Barbados, a collection established in 1992 in honour of his father, Karl Broodhagen. For the past fifty years one of the highlights on the arts calendar in Barbados has been the annual Exhibition of Paintings and Sculptures by Karl and Virgil Broodhagen. The first exhibition in 1971, was held at the Barbados Arts Council’s Hilton Hotel Gallery. From 1972 until 1998 the exhibition was held at The Barbados Arts Council’s Pelican Village Gallery, moving then to The Grand Salle at the Central Bank. Following Karl’s death on August 21, 2002 at his home Glenrosa in Strathclyde, St. Michael, Virgil continued to hold the annual exhibitions as a tribute to his father’s enduring legacy. From 2004 the exhibition has been held at The Main Guard at The Historic St. Ann’s Fort. This year we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Broodhagens’ Art Exhibition. And we celebrate their lifelong dedication to representing the people and places of Barbados, a passion and a calling shared by father and son. Virgil’s commitment to sustaining the tradition of this joint exhibition is a fitting tribute to his father’s pioneering and visionary contribution, one perhaps best described by the Noble laureate Derek Walcott who wrote of Broodie: “This simple journeyman sewing his death for miles, Has carved a monstrous love with his hand and their ten prayers.” All artwork on this page by Virgil Broodhagen
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Submitted by Rodney S. Ifill – Cultural Officer Visual Arts, National Cultural Foundation The popular saying: “Behind every dark cloud exists a silver lining” bears truth to the experience that living in the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of human creative endeavor as we sought, as creatives and cultural administrators, to discover innovative and novel means of ensuring the survival and preservation of such a beautiful and engaging activity as En Plein Air painting and instruction. It is with this in mind, that when the first signs of this dreaded pandemic struck our shores during the middle of March 2020 and we were forced to work from, in many cases, remote settings, that the birth of a virtual En Plein Air series manifested. Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Mrs. Carol Roberts-Reifer along with the Board and Management, ensured that this concept proposed from the desk of Cultural Officer Visual Arts Mr. Rodney Ifill, had their full support to produce such an important educational series in En Plein Air instruction, and it has successfully borne fruit. En Plein Air Painting: A Brief History The French term “En Plein Air” simply means painting in the open air or painting outside. Scholars note that there is no specific documentation of this discipline during its early origins. However, it may be noted that artists have documented the landscape for hundreds of years. Such names as Rembrant van Rijn (16061669) and Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) would have made initial Plein Air studies from a theoretical perspective. However Italian Artist Agostino Tassi (1578 – 1644), is known to many as the father of outdoor painting. During the 1700s and 1800s this genre of painting became extremely popular and was generally accepted and practiced by such painters as French artist Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes (1750-1819) and British artist John Constable (1776-1837). Some of the major schools and movements developed around En Plein Air painting included the Barbizon School of painters and the Hudson River school. The first school consisted of a group of painters who painted everyday scenes of villagers, working in the fields in Barbizon France, from 1830 to 1870 and the second school /cont'd...
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The primary intention of Visual Art Officer Mr. Ifill to confront and overcome such a challenge saw the shift from instruction in a physical space during the early stages of the pandemic to having an online Barbadian instructional video series in En Plein Air conducted on an online platform. A total series of ten developmental instructional videos, broken into two segments of five videos were produced. The production of this series saw a collaboration with other creatives from video and digital media production backgrounds. Videographer Ms. Donai
Lovell and digital media artist Mr. Matthew Pilgrim, worked closely with Producer and Visual Arts Office Mr. Ifill and five tutors to produce the initial five episodes of this online digital series which is now available on the National Cultural Foundation’s YouTube Channel at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNC FBarbados
had its origins in the mid-nineteenth century American art movement, influenced by Romanticism, and was given the name of the Hudson River school. Evolution of the NCF’s En Plein Air Programme For almost a decade the NCF’s En Plein Air programme had successfully grown to an active membership of more than one hundred and twenty participants of all generations, walks of life, artistic levels and interests. Many places were visited and painted across the Island and themed and historical elements were even included as part of the process. Workshops were conducted on Saturdays from 9am until 1pm for a period of ten weeks. They were taught by such tutors and guest tutors as Mr. Omowale Stewart, Mr. Neville Legall, Mr. Markley Clarke, Mr. Wayne Branch. Mr. Denzil Mann, Mr. Mark Maynard and the late Mr. Fielding Babb. However, the arrival of COVID-19 meant that brave new initiatives had to be considered and undertaken if this beautiful activity was to survive to the benefit and education of interested creatives living in Barbados and beyond.
The tutors presented the following episodes: Mr. Larrie Belgrave - Preparing for Painting Outdoors – Introduction to Materials with demonstration; Mr. Kwami Hunte - Approaches to Colour Mixing Part 1 with demonstration; Mr. Neville Legall Approaches to Colour Mixing Part 2 with demonstration; Mr. Markley Clarke - Composition in Urban Landscapes (Linear Perspective) with demonstration and Mr. David Alleyne - Capturing Cathedral Lighting in the Landscape with demonstration. The first five episodes were intentionally produced in this manner to first present certain key fundamentals and rudiments which may present challenges to those persons who are new to the process of painting outdoors by giving them the opportunity to observe and study how to prepare and deal
/cont'd...
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with such challenges. However, it is intended that the future episodes will use the rudiments established in the first five episodes to build upon and mainly focus on using these fundamentals to paint diverse scenes across Barbados. This will enable participants in this programme to use such videos as a learning tool and reference material to complement their artistic development in this genre since the videos can be referred to in an unlimited manner. This series mainly targets beginner to intermediate level painters with a passion and desire for painting and exploring the outdoors. It is designed for local, regional and international audiences who may wish to experience the instruction of Barbadian Professional En Plein Air artists from the perspective and aesthetic of a Barbadian and Caribbean experience. It is hoped that by reading this article, persons log onto the NCF’s YouTube Channel, watch the series, become inspired and safely observe all COVID-19 Protocols that would make them safe and free to explore the outdoors wherever there are and enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of painting outdoors!
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The Last Laugh... a little artistic humour
BAC Member Benefits The BAC’s primary purpose is to nurture the artistic expression of creatives in Barbados. If you are an artist who wants to learn, share ideas, and contribute to the growth of Visual Arts as a viable sector in Barbados, then you should join the Barbados Arts Council. We also welcome persons who appreciate art but who may not be artistically inclined, and who want to add their other talents and time to help nurture the visual arts in Barbados. Apart from the satisfaction of assisting the Council in achieving its goals, here are some of the benefits that BAC members enjoy: 1. Members can participate in any BAC group show without paying hanging fees! (up to 3 pieces per person) 2. New and emerging artists get the opportunity to show their artwork and gain experience at the BAC gallery when they might not yet gain access to other galleries 3. The BAC gallery commission on sales is only 30%! (considerably less than other galleries) 4. Members get a 5% discount when they purchase art supplies from Laurie Dash & Sons 5. Get a 5% - 10% discount on selected items from The Art Hub Visit the Gallery and apply for membership today. An annual fee of Bds $100 is applicable. Art Students (secondary school and BCC) are eligible for a student membership fee of Bds $50 per year.
BAC Art Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Sat 9am to 1pm #20 Pelican Craft Centre, Harbour Road, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: (246) 426-4385 Email: thebarbadosartscouncil@gmail.com Facebook: Barbados Arts Council Official Page Instagram: BarbadosArtsCouncil www.thebarbadosartscouncil.com