Home is where the art is

Shawn, Nerine and Sherlann Peters have combined their artistic talents for an exhibition entitled Home is where the Art is. The exhibition runs from October 24 until November 4 at Horizons Art Gallery, 37 Mucurapo Road, St James.

The artists, through various media, speak to the wider topic of poverty. The exhibition's title is a play on the common phrase, home is where the heart is. The exhibition was born out of using art to illuminate the plight of those living in broken, old houses; often the subject matter of local artists.

The artists believe the idea of the 'quaint, old house' risks romanticising poverty, said a media release. The exhibition aims to use art to give back to the community, as a percentage of the proceeds will be given to the respective homeowners toward maintaining the structures which inspire so many artists.

Shawn, a painter and a sculptor, shows bright, semi-abstract pieces. It features work in both paint and mixed media. He has also used wood sculptures to convey the message.

Nerine uses realism to convey the message. The lushness of the surrounding greenery lies in stark contrast to the simplicity of the homes. A release on the exhibition said: "Her paintings are crisp, serene and capture her subject matter like a snapshot of a quiet moment in time."

Through clay sculptures, Sherlann shows characters at ease in their environment. "They portray a Trinidadian lifestyle that is rarely depicted but that she has captured in all its glory," the release said.

Home is where the Art is opens on October 24 at 7pm to 8.30pm. The exhibition runs from Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.