LeRoy Clarke exhibition dedicated to Haitian people

AN exhibition of the works of master artist LeRoy Clarke titled The Eye Hayti… Cries… Everywhere, is ongoing at the Heritage Library, Port of Spain.

A media release from Nalis quotes Clarke as saying the collection “is a dedication to the Haitian people…whose courage is unassailable in the struggle to preserve humanity in fulfilling their destiny.”

At the opening of the exhibition last month, Neil Parsanlal, chairman of the board of Nalis, said the drawings should jolt people out of the "pandemic of apathy...for which no vaccine other than determined action can cure."

"Each of the 37 paintings should take us back to the earthquake of 2010, a disaster of monumental proportions that killed more than 300,000 persons and instantly rendered 1.5 million homeless,” Parsanlal said.

He said Clarke's "legacy is assured, his place in history preserved, and the memory of his presence forever etched on minds.”

Clarke’s daughter, Adaeze, who heads De Legacy House of LeRoy Clarke El Tucuchean Foundation, delivered an emotive speech about her father’s work and legacy, the release said.

Also paying tribute to Clarke were Pearl Eintou Springer, former director of the Heritage Library, as well as spoken-word artist Darren Salandy.

Clarke, also known as Chief Ifa’ Oje Won Yomi Abiodum, is an honorary fellow of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Although he isbest known for his art, he is a prolific writer and author of several publications.

The public is invited to view the drawings, which will be on display for three months at the Heritage Library.