“Art as Diplomacy: How Trinidad and Tobago Uses Paintings to Build Global Bridges”
How has the shared cultural heritage of India and T&T influenced your journey as an artist?
The relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago spans as far back as 1845 when the first set of East Indian indentured labourers arrived on our shores. They brought with them their rich culture, customs and traditions which are still preserved by Trinidadians almost 180 years later. This shared cultural heritage has had an influence on my paintings as many of them display various aspects of this culture. For example, the painting “Rishikesh Ghat” depicts a very typical scene at many religious sites throughout India like Rishikesh and Varanasi. Ghats or steps that lead down to a body of water is where Aarti (prayer and worship to the gods) is usually performed. In Trinidad, Aarti is very popular among Hindus, however it is mainly performed in temples or privately.
In your artistic expression are there any paintings that reflect the immense importance of culture within Indian and T&T Societies?
Yes, I have done quite a few pieces that reflect the importance of this culture. One such piece that I feel proud to share with you is a painting entitled “Temple in the Sea”. This popular tourist site is officially named the Sewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir and has a very interesting history. As the name implies, this temple was built in the sea by an indentured labourer named Sewdass Sadhu originally born in Uttar Pradesh. After being jailed (by the colonial powers at that time) for attempting to construct it on land, he built it in the sea with the belief that they had no ownership of the sea. Using only his bicycle to transport stones and sand he eventually completed it in 1952.
Another piece which reflects the influence of Indian culture on Trinidad and Tobago is “The Red House.It features the Parliament building of Trinidad and Tobago which was built in 1907. This painting depicts the infusion of both cultures incorporating aspects of India’s influence on our culture. After the Indian indenture period ended in 1917, the Indians remained in Trinidad thereby greatly influencing the cultural landscape of our country. In the year 1966 the government declared Diwali a public holiday and this piece shows our red house beautifully being lit with clay lamps that also welcomed Lord Ram to Ayodha.
How can art be a medium for fostering diplomatic ties in your opinion?
Much can be told about any country by its art. The different artforms, be it visual like paintings, sculptures, photography or performance art like music, dance and theatre is an excellent way of showcasing different aspects of our culture, history etc. Because of this, I believe that art is definitely an important medium through which diplomatic ties can be built. It helps to educate those who may not otherwise be aware and to facilitate diplomatic linkages. Fostering diplomatic ties with any country firstly involves getting to know that country, connecting through the similarities and learning through the differences. I believe all forms of art contribute towards this exchange and expression of culture and history.
