Leading Barbadian, and Guyanese-born artists Alfred Weeks and Carl Anderson, respectively, are among a group of Caribbean painters and sculptors, being featured at the return of Harlem Art Stroll – “The Caribbean & Diaspora Art” exhibition, that opened on Nov. 6 and will continue for the next two weekends, Nov. 13 & 14, 20 & 21, at the Diaspora Now studio, 80 St. Nicholas Ave., in Harlem.
The exhibition is open from 1 pm – 6 pm. All COVID-19 protocol will be in place including the wearing of mask.
Anderson M. Pilgrim, curator, and founder of “Diaspora Now” that has been representing Caribbean artist for 25 years, in Harlem, told Caribbean Life that the artists enjoyed a strong showing on Nov. 6 & 7 where eight of them, are being featured, since the return of the show that was halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Pilgrim, also the director of Caribbean Fine Arts Fair (CaFA) in Barbados, a unique annual event featuring over 35 visual artists exploring the cultural traditions of the entire Caribbean, founded in 2010, and features “Diaspora Dialogue” and student exhibitions, praised the works on display by the creators.
One such is Carl Anderson’s “Ribbons” awarding-winning series — acrylic on canvas.
Anderson, who received his early art education at the Burrowes School of the Arts in Guyana, and later immersed himself in the Latin American art milieu by living for 13 years in Venezuela, showed some of his most colorful acrylic pieces. He told this reporter, he is not a part of the mainstream art world, where artists just throw objects, together paint them, and call them art.
“My audience might be different, those who appreciates artist who values academia artwork, and the principles of art, not the madness called mainstream art, argues Anderson, an award-winning painter, whose collection was featured prominently, at an art installation program, at New York’s busy Port Authority station, some years ago.
Known internationally for his bold geometric “Ribbon Series” as well as striking photo realistic paintings, Anderson’s whose work has been exhibited widely in Europe, North and South America, including the Malta Biennale, Italy’s Grolla D’Oro and the Guyana National Art Gallery, said he is now painting with acrylic in neon colors that can glow in the dark.
His pieces tackle controversial subjects such as a series of works on domestic violence and the long-term results of such abuse. Most recently, Anderson’s paintings represented the Americas at 8th International Beijing Biennale held in 2019.
The visual artist says he has many pieces available for a one-man exhibit and for sale. Those on display at “Diaspora Now,” are Aquatic Nature, oil on canvas board, 9” X 18”, $1500; Kumu WaterFall, oil on canvas board, 9” X18”, $1500; Rupununi, oil on canvas board, 9” X 18”, $1500, and White Water Creek, oil on canvas board, 9” X 18”, $1500.
The Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness Inc. commissioned the “Reflections Collection: Faces of Domestic Violence,” which ise sized 22″ X 33″.
For further information, contact Carl Anderson by email: cfandy1964@gmail.com.
Alfred Weeks’ “Musicians” – acrylics, galvanized wire, screen wire and wood, is a stunning display of skill and craftsmanship. He has exhibited alongside the most talented artists and artisans in the Caribbean and has been a perennial prizewinner in the Barbados’ National Arts and Crafts Competition.
Weekes has been creating wire sculptures since the 1970s and his work has been exhibited widely throughout the Caribbean and North America.
In 1993, Weekes was judged “Best Show,” at the 1993 Manchester Art Association show in Manchester, Connecticut. In August 1998, his first one-man exhibition, “In Person,” consisting entirely of colorful relief sculptures, received critical acclaim at the Brooklyn Moon Café in New York City.
His technique has continued to evolve, and his sculpture has become almost painterly in rendition. Weekes’ work is held in private collections throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the U.S.
The works of Bernard Stanley Hoyes, Darius Etienne and others, are also on display “Diaspora Now.” Visit www.cafafair.com, www.diaspora-now.com, and www.caribbean.global.com for more information.
For more information on the exhibition, call – 646-267-8831 or email: ampilgrim@hotmail.com.for more information.
