The long-awaited 28th Annual Members’ Exhibition by the Women in Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT), titled “Expressions,” opened at Gentle Studio on Long Circular Rd, Port of Spain, on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.
The exhibition showcased a variety of vibrant and diverse voices of local women artists, including myself, who are members of WIAOTT. Our works were screened by a panel of judges who selected the best artworks that fit the criteria for selection. Each piece invited viewers to stop and engage in a visual conversation, brimming with personal narratives and cultural richness that reflected the artists’ unique perspectives on life, identity, and community.
As one of the featured artists, I felt honored to be part of this celebration of culture and
creativity. My piece, “Burning Passion,” explored the contrast between the complementing colors, blue and orange. This experimentation was depicted by a dancing figure caught mid-jump. The flow of the piece represented my passion for pursuing a goal and the unyielding motivation of pushing forward within each of us.
The exhibition fostered a greater appreciation for the arts by creating a platform for local women artists to express themselves. It stood as a testament to the diversity of thought and the power that art carries.
Since its founding in 1996, WIAOTT has been a beacon of empowerment, amplifying the voices of diverse women and student artists across Trinidad and Tobago. For over 28 years, this non-profit organisation has been instrumental in nurturing talent, promoting cultural heritage, and supporting the role of women on the local art scene.
Through Gentle Studio, Dr. Ramcharitar, the owner, provided an ideal space and accommodating services that effortlessly created the warmth of an artistic ambiance within a corporate space. This intimate setting, with its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, allowed visitors to feel an immediate connection with the artworks. Upon entering, the gallery was alive with vibrant energy, filled with artists, patrons, and supporters, all eager to share this celebration of local talent.
As my eyes roamed the room, I was immediately drawn to the bold, vivid works of Michelle Boyd and Kechervi Voisin. Their intense, thought-provoking pieces seemed to encourage viewers to pause and reflect on themselves, sparking conversations about life and identity. From there, my gaze wandered, and I found myself immersed in the various artistic styles and expressions that filled the space. From colorful paintings and intricate drawings to fabric works and delicate jewelry, each piece told a story in its own unique way.
Among the many talented artists showcased, Marie Pat Ferrel-Federick stood out with her use of unconventional materials: found objects, yarns, and paper. Her works were layered collages, combining quilting, patchwork, embroidery, and beading, exploring themes of nature, imagination, and the beauty of reimagining everyday scenes into art. Her pieces felt like a beautiful blend of the old and new, inviting viewers to reconsider the world through a different lens.
The opening night featured various prizes awarded across a variety of categories. These included Best Drawing (Cleo Lewis), Best Acrylic (Ann Stapleton), Best Oil (Joy Jones), Best Watercolour (Vejaya Mungal), Best Fabric (Leona Fabien), Best Pop-Art (Halcian Pierre), Best Architecture (Sonia Alexis), Best Pastels (Mionne McKenzie), Best Expressionism (Michelle Boyd), and Best In Show (Lisa Hutchinson). Each award felt like a well-deserved recognition of the passion and dedication these artists poured into their craft and encouraged me to continue working hard and follow my passion.
The Opening Night of WIAOTT’s “Expressions” exhibition was successfully executed, drawing a number of art lovers, dignitaries, and supporters to the show. Among the distinguished guests were former First Lady, Mrs. Hassanali, and the Mexican Ambassador, His Excellency Victor Hugo Morales Mélendez, whose presence added a sense of prestige to the evening.
As the gallery gradually filled with energy and excitement, it was clear that this exhibition resonated deeply with the attendees. I look forward to the next WIAOTT Members’ Exhibition, scheduled for the Central Bank in November 2025.
Written by: Vritti Ramnarine (WIAOTT Member)
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