Photographer Alex Smailes Exhibits A Decade of Work

This is an exhibit I'm looking forward to.

In November 2011 I got to interview photographer Alex Smailes
about his ideas about the term 'The Caribbean Aesthetic'.

This November he is exhibiting in Trinidad and Tobago after a decade
of photographing the region along with a publication launch.

Be there for the launch next Thursday!

EXHIBITION OPENING
Thursday 22nd November 2012, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

EXHIBITION CLOSING & ARTIST TALK
Thursday 6th December 2012, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain
RSVP 740 7597 / medullaartgallery@gmail.com

ABOUT THE SHOW
In 2002, after working extensively as a photojournalist in the Middle East, the South Pacific, South Asia, the Caucasus and the Balkans, Alex Smailes moved to Trinidad and Tobago. This exhibition celebrates the 10th anniversary of that move and what Smailes has observed and documented throughout the region since. Images from some of Alex's better-known series - from gangs in Port of Spain, to Aristide's last days in Haiti are on display here. Also present are some of the traditions and snatched, everyday moments that, while uniquely Caribbean, resonate with universal themes. This collection of images is characterised by Smailes' intense interest in understanding and capturing his adopted region, and also by his sensitive eye, which finds beauty not only where expected but also in the mundane or disturbing, all of which mix together to create a striking visual picture of a complex region.

http://www.alexsmailes.com/ 

Twice-nominated finalist for the Amnesty International Media Awards for coverage inside Trinidad’s jails in 2001 and for Haiti’s secret modern-day slave-trade for 'Colors' 2003 magazine
 

MISSION

To continue testing the boundaries of creativity and imagination via innovative photography. A digital revolution is changing the Caribbean...let's capture that essence!

Company Overview

After a book deal with Macmillan and a move to Trinidad in 2002, Alex spent 2 years producing 'Trinidad & Tobago'; published in 2004 and depicting the culture and glory of the nation.

Utilizing an immaculate talent in visual communications, with over a decade of experience to his name, Alex has forged an identity, infamously known as ‘the fixer’. He has consistently tackled and succeeded on a vast array of multi-tiered, multi-partied and complex branding projects. He balances layers of creative genius and practical problem solving in the constant progression and evolution of the world...
 

DESCRIPTION

In 1996, whilst studying for his Communications BA at Falmouth Art School in UK, Alex Smailes was hand-picked to join a small team of filmmakers, explorers and marine biologists for an documentary film expedition underneath the oil platforms of the Arabian Gulf.

From 1997 to 2002 he continued to work in areas of conflict throughout the world, and his work during that time has been recognised by

Amnesty International and Colours magazine.

Alex has worked for many of the World’s press including BBC, Geographical Magazine, Independent, Sunday Times, New York Times, Corbis and Reuters.

In 2004, he published Trinidad and Tobago (MacMillan). He became a director of Abovegroup in 2005, but has continued to cover Caribbean socio-political issues.

Text taken from Alex Smailes facebook page

and Medulla Art Gallery's facebook page. 

The Caribbean Aesthetic. A Conversation with Marlon Darbeau

"I think its ok to make what you want to make, where you make it. When you do it and for whom you do it." - Marlon Darbeau, Designer and Creative Director of AbovegroupOgilvy.

"I've never really had to consider ' The Caribbean Aesthetic'"

"I guess it's because I've never lived anywhere else. I've travelled to a couple places. Never been there long enough to heavily consider how it affects how I do things."

"The internet has had a very profound affect on how we see ourselves. What we do, how we create things of beauty. On mediums utilised, how we use them and even what we make."

"But for me it's about having insight.
Insight into yourself and insight into the space around you.
I think what is important is looking."

"I think it's based on your experiences and where you've been, and that in itself is a changing thing."

"For me I just try to make things based on how I experience things, how I see things and that aesthetic is based on my own eye sight."

left: Dishout, kitchen utensils right: Peera, designed by Marlon Darbeau

'Jazz on The Beach', set design

Do you think Trinidad has a brand?

"Yes I think Trinidad and Tobago has a brand but what we have to ask ourselves is "is it a brand that we like?"

"Is it a brand of value?"

"That value has to do with our perceptions of patriotism and economic value.
We haven't yet reached to the point of understanding how to maximize our brand."

Marlon is a collaborator at the Alice Yard art-space initiative. He comes from a family tradition of making things in a workshop that was at home or very close to home. He has become very interested in how those traditions intersect with his practice as a graphic designer, and in using this convergence to formulate ways of making his work.

Tropical Modernism- The Colin Laird Exhibit at the National Museum, Trinidad

“Public Spaces: The Architecture of Colin Laird” opened at the National Museum in Port of Spain, Trinidad on June 28, 2012. The exhibition puts a spotlight on Colin Laird who is recognized for using architectural strategies in the climate of a post-independent Trinidad and Tobago to create urban designs that encouraged participation and inclusion. Laird worked at the front line of a movement that sought to redress colonial architectural styles that asserted superiority and separation. Colin Laird’s designs include the National Library, National Stadium, the Brian Lara Promenade and Queen’s Hall. The exhibition coincides with celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th anniversary of Independence. “It is the first exhibition of architecture in the nation,” said Christopher Laird, son of Colin Laird. - Marsha Pearce (Cultural Scholar and Filmmaker)

I went to see this exhibit the day after it's opening with coworkers and I was really amazed to see all the work , sketches and intricate models of so many of Trinidad and Tobago's most prominent buildings.

Definitely a must see!

Colin Laird speaks with co-rd Limited's Sean Leonard about the Boissiere House. See the video here. <<< I Love This 'Ginger Bread House!'

Photos of the event by Marsha Pearce here.

Article on the exhibit in the Trinidad Guardian Newspaper here.
More about Public Spaces here on 'Repeating Islands'

Also, learn more about Marsha Pearce here.

Miquel Galofré - One Very Cool Caribbean Spanish

Sharing this great Carnival video from Miquel Galofré.

Miquel is an amazing film maker from Spain who at the moment lives in Trinidad (when he's not in Jamaica or somewhere else in the world)

I got the chance to meet Miquel while he was doing a few projects for the advertising agency I work at. One of these projects included last year's Carnival Coca- Cola television ad.

Miquel's amazing! Check out his youtube channel because I can't list all his amazingness. From creating the films 'Why Do Jamaican's Run So Fast' and 'Hit Me With The Music'  to my personal favourite project 'Art Connect in Laventille' which made me cry in the office when I got a sneak peek, I am nothing but in aww of Miquel's work and vision.

I am happy to be able to view and be inspired by the way he sees the world and the privilege he has to be able to capture it.

And oh yea... 'The Football Bird' (video below) I was obsessed with for days.....

Check out Miquel's youtube channel and send some love! 

 

 

Happy Sunday from Designer Island...

Designer: Marlon Darbeau 'Jazz On The Beach'

Designer Marlon Darbeau gives us a behind the scenes look at designing the set for Mt Irvine 'Jazz On the Beach' 2012.

See more here.

At the Callaloo Company in Trinidad. Making the set.

Jazz On The Beach Mt. Irvine Bay

Photos courtesy marlondarbeau.blogspot.com

Arc Magazine's 5th Issue is out!

Arc Magazine Issue 5 cover

Arc Magazine's 5th issue has been released and I anxiously await adding it to my collection!

Since the first issue that I had the pleasure of being featured in, Arc holds a special spot on my desk (not even my book shelf; I keep them close).

With amazing artist and writers, the fifth issue also promises a limited edition run of Trinidadian artsit Rodell Warner's Riskzine, which was created in January as a part of a Commonwealth Connections Residency in South Africa.

Featured artist, Surinamese Charl Landvreugd interacts with Dutch scholar, cultural critic and writer Rob Perée to produce Don’t talk Black, Do Black.

And Jamaican jeweller and metal smith Jasmine Thomas-Girvan’s recent body of work, ‘Gardening in the Tropics’, who's exhibit I was fortunate enough to attend and was in awe of.

I'm completely in love with the cover artwork by Charl Landvreugd and I'm very excited to see what else is in there.

Get your copy of the new issue at Arc.