The art division of one of Anguilla’s exquisite properties, Ani Resorts held its annual art display on Tuesday 25th April, 2023.
The exhibition featured the works of nine developing artists who were constantly honing their artistic skills at the renowned art institute.
Ten pieces of art were displayed. The artists stood beside their work and were ready to answer questions about their creations.
All art pieces were created in Naturalism, a form of art that seeks to depict objects and people realistically without any type of distortion.
Dean of the Academy, Mr. Taffari Crawford, shared an insight with The Anguillian on the art piece he had been working on diligently for the past weeks.
“This piece that I am currently working on is from a series called “Tropical Remix,” Mr. Crawford said. “For this piece I am using brush strokes and expressive elements, along with a vibrant color pallet to depict a Caribbean Tropical feel.”
He said the work comprises of a collage of various fish that are found in the Caribbean waters laid out in a very expressive and exciting manner.
When asked what his views were about the students in general, Mr. Crawford said: “the students are very talented. Anguilla has a lot of talent in the area of art, and there is a lot to offer here.”
“Right now, we are still open for more students to enroll for we are not operating at full capacity as yet,” he told The Anguillian. “We are currently accepting applicants, so if anyone wants to join us, they are quite welcomed to do so.”
Other pieces on display by the students included ‘A Glare of a Mother’s Love’ by Brandon Levon; ‘Eccedentesiast’ by Raheim Webster; ‘Red Velvet’ by Meridith Gumbs; ‘A Tribute to a Lost Soul’ by Venroy Findlay; ‘Across From Siramoni Temple’ by Francine Gaudet; ‘Inner Light’ by Jaiden Fleming; ‘Pastel Piece’ by Felix Rosario; and two pieces by Kowsalya Deri – ‘Old is Gold’ and ‘Indian Tradition for Connecting Two Souls’.
Francine Gaudet spoke told The Anguillian her piece ‘Across From Siramoni Temple’, is based on her experience in India, where she loves to travel.
“I was in Buhj, in India, and I came upon a piece of antique fabric. I love cloth, so I took a photo of the fabric and I have used that photo in order to create this drawing, she said. “The drawing is done in charcoal and white pastel and I finished it last year.”
Another interesting piece was titled ‘A Tribute to a Lost Soul’, crafted by Venroy Findlay.
“A friend of mine had died he said, “and I did this piece to be of a comfort to his mother. Unfortunately, she did not even get to see it, because she died too. Therefore, I will present it to his two children so that they can always keep his memory alive.”
According to Mr. Crawford, anyone one with an interest in art can be creative and produce fine pieces.
“We are offering lessons to anyone from age seventeen and up,” he said. “As long as a young person has finished high school, he or she should have enough time to devote to art training at Ani Art Academy.”
