R: Telling his es through art
phic designer. found his niche, ing and designing
who hails from North Rupununi h Ruimveldt with ts. His mother an embroiderer, m embroidery and henever she visitw to enjoy them. ng from South ndary School, he of work. During ndfather and aunt dmired his art, o take up summer wes in 2013. But the course, Nigel arn more, and he ool full time in ear, graduating in
he said, is an ho he is and what ome. Most of his s people as warinue endure and for better. gs portray the in an idealist/ Nigel said. He e easily relate to it tells of the hispeople, more so sons can relate to way or the other. rrowes, he noted, t deal of patience. twork and socialand learnt basic ld aid in him betmself and all that on canvas, so that uld have a clearer es he tells. or him was one of enges, said Nigel this even tougher is trying to sell to people who aren’t as exposed to art. He stressed that in Guyana, there is no proper approach to art and because some people are not educated on it, they do not appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating art.
Nigel believes it is not introduced well and should be more promoted in the school system. He added that because art was never considered much of anything in school, those who were part of the stream were often stereotyped as ‘less than’ children in other streams.
The art industry, he expounded, would be better boosted in the work produced and in income if more galleries are opened. He strongly feels that although art is a form of expression of the creator, many artists are stifled in Guyana and their work shunned or never given a chance because of the political expression of some. There are others who prefer to not just bring originality but to step away from textbook art to expressing more out-of-the-box pieces. Artists, he stated, should be embraced for their originality and be allowed to freely express themselves.
Since he began painting, Nigel has entered three competitions and placed third in the Guyana National Visual Arts Competition last year with his painting ‘Tam Bi Ku’, a Macushi word meaning ‘Warrior’. This is one of his major accomplishments. He hopes to participate in the next competition scheduled for 2019 and at the same time is on the lookout for other competitions he could take up.
Nigel, the designer, works along with Vanda’s Designs and his work would have made its debut on pieces at Guyana Fashion Week 2016, which was held at the Pegasus Hotel. As it turns out, designer Vanda Allicock-Calistro is the artist’s aunt. She contracted him to paint for her collection.