Mikhaela tells artistic coup story at Rotunda Gallery

Thirteen-year-old Mikhaela Browne is a gifted young woman who wears many caps: she is a painter, child rights ambassador in the Ministry of Gender and Child Affairs, and the British High Commissioner climate change ambassador for 2023. Also in 2023, she placed third in the Heritage Petroluem Secondary Schools Environmental Photo and Essay Competition, and at this year's National Dinghy Championship.

Her drawing, Mercy, Mercy Me, is on display at the Rotunda Gallery as part of its Coup Stories exhibition, commemorating the July 1990 attempted coup. The exhibition runs from July 22 to August 2.

Her drawing, a black, white and grey sketch, shows late Jamat al-Muslimeen leader Abu Bakr with his hands in the air, holding a gun as he surrenders, bringing an end to the terrifying six-day ordeal. For Browne, the moment represents stability and an end to uncertainty.

Bakr and 100 of his followers stormed the Parliament and held former prime minister ANR Robinson other Parliamentarians, TTT and Radio Trinidad hostage.

Bakr spent two years in jail for this.

“I imagine a lot of people were very happy it was over. There must have been so much stress and fear. I found that image of him giving up and asking for mercy powerful. It represents stability.”

She has in-depth knowledge of the 1990 coup, saying in a soft voice, “A total of 24 people died that day,” her eyes shifting to the floor.

Browne, who does not come from an artistic family, said sketching the gun and face was challenging.

She told Newsday Kids she has always loved drawing and doodling but says she does not have any specific art influences, though she is inspired by local culture.

Browne is no stranger to having her work exhibited at the Rotunda Gallery. Her first piece showcased was a hummingbird in 2023 as part of their Republic Day exhibit.

She describes her creative process works, saying she allows her subject “to find her.” For the coup exhibition, she knew she wanted to sketch the last day of the ordeal.

Using pencil, charcoal and a black marker, she began sketching Mercy, Mercy Me and says the entire drawing took five days to complete.

The Barrackpore resident hopes her work reminds people of what took place, as she cites the increasing crime rate and cost of living. She believes many young people do not know the impact it had on people's lives.

Despite having a love for drawing and taking art classes, as well as watching YouTube videos in her spare time, Browne does not plan on studying art but dreams of becoming a doctor.

“I can do both. I will always have my art, but I want to be a medical doctor. I'm not sure what field I’d like to specialise in yet.”

The form one student at St Joseph’s Convent credits her school's art teacher and parents and an aunt living in the UK as her support system. The oldest of three, she believes that by engaging in positive activities, she is setting a good example for her younger siblings.

“My aunt in England would send art supplies and other things that we can't source here.”

Her future painting goals include showcasing an entire collection based on local culture and landscape.

“I want to paint the mountains at the Maracas lookout and other scenic views throughout TT.”

Browne, believes art can help curb the increase in school violence as it can provide a creative outlet for young people who are having problems.

“Extracurricular activities could be a safe space for troubled young people to express themselves.”

Asked if she is ever overwhelmed, she said, “Most of these things are after-school activities. It may seem like a lot, but there is a balance. I come home, do my homework, and study: I'm accustomed to this."

Her mother, Sharon Chance, says Browne maintains good school grades and describes her as a loving daughter and big sister. She said there is no pressure on Browne to get involved in any of the activities she partakes in and she believes her role as a parent is to nurture and support her children.