Isolation propels new wave of creativity for artists

From recycled water bottles and carved white pine, Ananda Poon created an art fixture named Current, which, when exposed to light, mimics the movement of water.

The fixture’s purpose was to raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution and explore the effect of light when reflected on an object in motion.

Now, as the world stands still because of covid19, Poon is symbolically exploring the theme of her art fixture – but in reverse. She is discovering what effect a world at rest from covid19 will symbolically have on the light of her art.

“While the world has stopped, art-making has not, for me. It has been a big help in keeping me occupied both mentally and physically.

“I have no pressure to work within time constraints and I am currently working on large abstract sculptural objects made of plexiglass,” said Poon.

A visual artist for the past four years, Poon brings her ideas to life through fine art photography and art fixtures which have been displayed at Carifesta 2019 and the National Museum and Art Gallery, Port of Spain.

“In self-isolation, I have been taking my time to focus on my art and not thinking about the daily stresses of daily life.”

But she knows this is a privilege and quotes local spoken-word artist Alexandra C Stewart in saying, “Productivity is a privilege.”

“For those of us fortunate to stay afloat in a time where the hard line between essential and luxury suddenly reveal themselves, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate. What we can do is think of this period as a valuable opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, our families and loved ones.

“Offer help to those who you know need it and perhaps, just maybe, we can get through this together,” Poon said.

During this period, Poon sees art in any form as a powerful tool to bring people together and provide comfort to those who need it.

“There are so many wonderful artists producing work and giving their perspectives of the covid19 situation. Now and in the future, we will see their work and be able to reflect on this time.

“I have a deep love and respect for art and practising artists. Like myself, we are all trying to figure out the weird and wonderful aspects of life.”

When the covid19 pandemic is over Poon looks forward to working on many things, including a solo exhibition.

Unlike Poon, gospel singer and dancer Kizzi-Marrie Alexander is considered an essential worker and does not have the luxury of self-isolation.

But covid19 has revealed new perspectives for her to write songs and share her creative gift of music with others. Performing under the stage name ZMari, Alexander creates R&B, dancehall, hip hop, soca and reggae gospel songs. She is versed in dance style like contemporary, folk and hip hop.

On April 25, she released the single One by One, on local gospel station w107 The World. The song is available on her YouTube channel ZMari Music and will soon be available on Spotify and iTunes.

Lyrically, the song reassures people that with time the pandemic will be over, and they will emerge stronger.

“Covid19 is plagued with fear, doubts, uncertainty and loneliness but it does leave room for a lot of mental, spiritual, physical and emotional advancement.

“My hope, with this new song, is to remind people of the need for prayer and building a deeper relationship with themselves. My prayer is that my music will help provide a solution and positive vibe,” Alexander said.

To help rally support for the song and spread its message, she has created a dance challenge on Instagram. Using #1x1Challenge in the caption, people are encouraged to upload themselves singing and dancing along to the song.

But this goes beyond creating a viral social media challenge. Since Alexander started singing in church and dancing at the age of 13 with the Supernatural in Christ Dance Company, she knows the power of music and dance.

“Music and dance have been therapeutic for me throughout my years. My appreciation for dance and music grew when I use these to have a positive effect on others and help them feel hope. In moments where words couldn't properly say the things I felt, exerting all my energy in singing would be my only hope and cure.”

With Alexander’s strength in life stemming from her faith in God, she believes He will help carry the nation away from the obstacles of covid19 and along the paths of love, freedom and prosperity.

“Music and art are very important right now because they are able to connect people on a deeper level. We can find so much reliability through different genres of music or messages in music.

“This help people deepen relationships as it creates a conservation point. It also helps people see a vision for themselves.”

Post-covid19, Alexander looks forward to getting back onstage to sing and dance to continue sharing the word of God.

She has performed at Queen's Hall with La Danse Caribe and events hosted by the Open Bible Regional Youth Overcomers, and hopes to find new platforms to share her message.

“We all have some story to tell and we don’t know who is waiting to hear our message and our journey.

“My hope as an artiste is to really help open doors for other people to come through and hopefully give them the inspiration to fight for what they believe in.”