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.

'Pictures From Paradise' - Book Launch

On Thursday I went to the launch of the book, ‘Pictures From Paradise’,
A Survey of Contemporary Caribbean Photography.

The launch was held at Medulla Art Gallery in Woodbrook, Trinidad.
The book comprised of the works of 18 Artist from 7 Caribbean Countries.

While the book is titled Pictures From Paradise, the images inside are anything but the stereotypical sun, sea, sand and coconut trees you’d be accustomed seeing portraying the Caribbean.

They are real images of the our experiences, realities and lives. They are contradictions of a diverse range - beautiful, unique stories even where similarities exist.

We all live on an island and while our islands are not far from each other we often seem isolated when we in fact have so much in common, so much to share with each other and so much more to gain from being more connected.



‘Pictures From Paradise’
Published by Robert & Christopher Publishers in Trinidad and Tobago.
Editors: Melanie Archer and Mariel Brown
Essay by: O’Niel Lawerence
Designed by: Richard Rawlins

Interview in Progress with Creative Director and Designer Marlon Darbeau

Marlon Darbeau is a Designer and the Creative Director of Abovegroup Ogilvy

Brand Enginnering Agency. He is a collaborator in the Alice Yard initiative. He is a 'Maker' and he is also my manager and friend for almost a decade now!

I wanted to talk to Marlon and get his view on the aesthetic learning curve and design.

You'll see his video soon and a new shooting location says Kibwe... 

I hope you're all are doing great!