Superville's Serendipity: Keeping visual arts alive in Tobago

SERENDIPITY, a three-week exhibition put on by The Art Gallery, ends Sunday in Lowlands, Tobago.

And the gallery’s founder Martin Superville is again hoping that the display will encourage and promote a greater appreciation for art across the island.

“It’s about keeping the visual arts alive,” he told Sunday Newsday.

“Being the only art gallery on the island from 1995 to now took some doing. But it’s always a pleasure hosting our brothers and sisters in the arts from our twin islands.”

Superville said the exhibition allowed artists to exchange ideas and “move their work forward.”

He added it also provided an opportunity for the public to “be in touch with the creative world, which sometimes can be lost in their busy lifestyles.”

The closing display made way for an event titled Jazz Meets Art, featuring performers Lynette Louis, John Arnold and Michael Boothman.

Serendipity, which began on July 17, showcased the work of seasoned and emerging artists in both Trinidad and Tobago.

Some of the artists whose pieces were on display include Jade Hillaire, Chris Thomas Amber Shaw, Simone Jacelon, Samantha Joseph, Renee Roberts, Duneiski, Jason Nedd, Kerron John, Kay O’ Callaghan and Michael Phillips.

Superville usually hosts an art exhibition at the gallery once a year but there are plans to host others, highlighting a variation of different paintings, styles and textures. The gallery has been in existence for the past 28 years.

The theme of this year’s exhibition, Serendipity, was derived from a customer who visited the gallery and used the word to describe the impressiveness of the pieces, Reanese Benjamin-Trim, the gallery’s assistant curator, told Newsday at the launch.

“Martin never heard the term before and we had to explain to him what it meant. He fell in love with it – how things happen by chance – but it gives you a nice calm, happy feeling. That is why we went with the theme so that the people coming will be like ‘wow.’”

She said the exhibition also highlighted pieces depicting some of Tobago’s tourist spots and attractions such as Pigeon Point beach.

Benjamin-Trim urged art lovers to support the artists.

“I want people to buy. The pieces are very reasonable, especially for some of our emerging artists. Normally, art is something that is very expensive but this show creates an avenue for persons.”

She observed many people do not invest in art in Tobago.

“It is not a common thing and I think now is the time where we can change up the art market on the island.”

Benjamin-Trim also noticed that art is not held in the same regard as the academics.

“Art is not something that we normally push in high school and we don’t really explore the fact that it is more than just painting.”

She said art also creates several other job opportunities.

“I am assistant curator. But apart from being an artist there is art dealership and different avenues that you can branch out once we stop being close-minded and being more open- minded to how wide art is.

“It is not just about the realistic paintings but the abstract paintings and how things make you feel and the emotions that can actually come out.”

Innovative Democratic Alliance political leader Dr Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, who also spoke at the launch, said it felt great to be back in the art world.

“Covid (19) took away something from us and it is good for us to be able to recapture what we have lost for two years and counting,” said Tsoiafatt Angus, a former Secretary in the Division of Community Development and Culture in the Orville London administration.

Applauding Superville for hosting the exhibition yet again, Tsoiafatt Angus said the show was about artistic brilliance.

“Just look at the paintings around. It is about imagination and capturing the power of serendipity. It is a true honour to stand before you to embark on the journey of this artistic exhibition.”

Waxing poetic, she said the theme invites people to “explore the beauty that emerges from the unexpected, the synchronicity that arises from happenstance and the magic formed in the most unexpected encounters.”

Tsoiafatt Angus continued, “As we enter this creative space, you will be transported to a world where artistes have captured the essence of serendipity with their vivid brush strokes, intricate sculptures and captivating photography.

“Each piece of art tells a story, whispering secrets of chance and destiny, encouraging us to embrace the unknown and find the beauty in the unanticipated.”

She said just as serendipity often plays a significant role in the creation of art, it is equally influential in one’s personal life.

Tsoiafatt Angus said, “Serendipitous moments shape our destinies, redefine our perspectives and fill our souls with wonder and inspiration. Think about that call where you just thought about that person and the phone rings and they are on the line. Those are the type of moments we speak about in our lives.”

She paid tribute to the artists, “whose incredible talents have allowed them to channel the essence of serendipity onto canvasses, sculptures and photographs.

“Their dedication, passion and willingness to embrace the unknown have resulted in breath taking creations that invite us to reflect, engage and celebrate the magic of the unexpected in our lives.”

She encouraged patrons to “explore the depths of this art exhibition and immerse yourself in the vivid colours, textures and emotions that each piece evokes.

“But further to that, I encourage you to dig deep into those pocket books that you have and really get a piece of the serendipitous art to take home with you in your lives. Immerse yourself in the wonder of serendipity and let it ignite your senses and imagination.”

The Art Gallery opens Monday to Friday from 8 am-5pm and on weekends by appointment.